Applaud States Suing To Stop Trump’s Green Card Restrictions

Twenty-two states and the District of Columbia are taking the Trump administration to court over changes to the “public charge” rule that could affect how immigration officials decide whether someone qualifies for a green card or visa. On top of that, Democratic cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle also filed a separate lawsuit.

Under the new rule described in the lawsuits, immigration officials would have greater discretion to consider an applicant’s use of programs such as Medicaid and SNAP when determining whether that person is likely to become a “public charge.” The challengers argue that this could discourage immigrant families from accessing healthcare and nutrition assistance for which they are legally eligible.

New York Attorney General Letitia James warned that immigrant families could face difficult decisions about whether receiving health insurance or food assistance might jeopardize a future green card application. California Attorney General Rob Bonta similarly argued that families should not have to choose between obtaining essential assistance during a period of need and protecting their immigration prospects.

The states and cities are asking the courts to block the new rule before it takes effect, arguing that the administration has unlawfully expanded the meaning of “public charge” and given individual immigration officers too much discretion in determining who can remain in the country permanently.

Applaud these states, cities, and Washington, D.C., for suing the Trump administration and for standing up for immigrant rights!

(Photo source: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images)