‘Public Charge’ Immigration Rule Faces Potential Legal Challenge

• Income, health benefits usage to be among factors examined
• Concern poorer immigrants would be put at disadvantage

The National Immigration Law Center said Monday it will file a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s newly unveiled “public charge rule, which is slated to take effect October 15.

• Rule would expand the factors taken into account when the Department of Homeland Security reviews green card and visa applications, including income, chronic health conditions, and use of public benefits like Medicaid and food stamps.

• Law center says the rule would disenfranchise immigrants of color and favor the wealthy.

• Santa Clara County, California, Counsel James Williams also issued a statement saying his office was reviewing the rule and exploring “all legal options” to prevent a negative effect on the community.

To read more: Trump Takes Aim at Legal Immigration With Reviews on Public Aid.

To contact the reporters on this story: Michaela Ross in Washington at mross@bgov.com; Jonathan Nicholson in Washington at jnicholson@bgov.com

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Paul Hendrie at phendrie@bgov.com; Jonathan Nicholson at jnicholson@bgov.com