New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday announced that the city, together with five other sanctuary jurisdictions, will file a lawsuit against the Trump administration over its recently expanded public‑charge rule. The coalition includes Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County and King County.
Mayor’s criticism of federal actions
In a press conference, Mamdani described the federal government’s immigration enforcement as a “campaign of violence and terror,” accusing ICE of entering homes, workplaces and schools. He warned that the new rule could force families, including U.S. citizen children, to forgo essential services such as SNAP, Medicaid and affordable housing out of fear of immigration consequences.
Administration’s rationale
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officials countered that the rule is intended to ensure that non‑citizens are “self‑reliant and not dependent on taxpayer‑funded government benefits.” USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler said, “The Trump administration is upholding the rule of law and protecting American taxpayers from subsidizing aliens who may become dependent on public benefits. USCIS is committed to safeguarding the safety, security, and financial well‑being of Americans.” The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified that the rule expands officer discretion to consider non‑cash benefits—such as Medicaid, SNAP and housing vouchers—when assessing an applicant’s likelihood of becoming a public charge.
Legal background
The new regulation, issued in July by DHS and USCIS, replaces the 2022 guidance issued under the previous administration, which limited consideration to cash assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Under the prior standard, officers evaluated whether an immigrant would become “primarily dependent” on government assistance based on cash benefits alone.
Sanctuary cities’ response
Mamdani called the changes a “gross illegality” that will cause “irreparable damage” to New Yorkers who rely on public benefits. He highlighted the contributions of immigrants to the city’s infrastructure, public services, transportation, education and healthcare, noting that immigrants have historically fought for fair wages and workplace protections.
What’s at stake
The lawsuit seeks to block the Trump administration’s rule before it takes effect on Friday. If successful, the coalition hopes to preserve access to essential services for immigrant families and maintain the city’s long‑standing sanctuary policies.
Administration’s defense
USCIS maintains that the rule is a necessary safeguard for American taxpayers, ensuring that immigration benefits do not become a drain on public resources. The administration argues that the policy aligns with the Constitution’s authority over immigration and the federal government’s responsibility to protect the nation’s fiscal health.
Both sides are preparing for a legal battle that could set a precedent for how public‑benefit eligibility is weighed in immigration decisions nationwide.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
