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8/12/2019 Trump Administration to Deny Green Cards to Legal Immigrants Who Draw From Social Programs - WSJ
https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-makes-legal-immigrants-who-draw-from-social-programs-ineligible-for-green-cards-11565618625?mod=hp_lead…
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WASHINGTON—The Trump administration issued a rule that could disqualify legal immigrants
from permanent residency if they use certain public-assistance programs and block
prospective applicants deemed likely to need them, a move that immigration advocates said
punishes poor migrants.
The rule, issued by the Department of Homeland Security on Monday, is one of the most
sweeping elements of the administration’s bid to create what officials described as a tighter,
more discerning U.S. immigration system. Critics of the regulation said it could result in
widespread confusion in migrant communities. Democratic state attorneys general are
expected to challenge it in court.
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https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-administration-makes-legal-immigrants-who-draw-from-social-programs-ineligible-for-green-cards-11565618625
POLITICS
Trump Administration to Deny Green Cards
to Legal Immigrants Who Draw From Social
Programs
Rule, which critics say punishes the poor, could also block prospective immigrants; legal challenges are
expected
A U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services oficer in Irving, Texas, handled folders with immigrants' applications for
permanent U.S. residency. PHOTO: JOHN MOOREGETTY IMAGES
Updated Aug. 12, 2019 728 pm ET
By Andrew Restuccia and Louise Radnofsky
8/12/2019 Trump Administration to Deny Green Cards to Legal Immigrants Who Draw From Social Programs - WSJ
The administration all but guaranteed fresh criticism from immigration groups by pushing
ahead with the rule in the wake of a shooting in El Paso, Texas, that was apparently motivated
by anti-immigrant animus. Similar criticisms were expressed after Immigration and Customs
Enforcement carried out raids on food processing plants in Mississippi last week.
The rule change tightens the definition of who is likely to become a “public charge” under
immigration law, a designation that prevents an immigrant from obtaining a green card, which
permits legal permanent residence. The designation also is used by the Justice and State
departments to determine which noncitizens can be removed from the country or prevented
from ever entering.
The use or potential use of a benefits program such as Medicaid, some types of housing
assistance or food stamps could now disqualify an applicant, including around 900,000
immigrants currently in the U.S.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you think immigrants’ chances to get green cards should be affected by whether they use
public beneits? Why or why not? Join the conversation below.
