The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to illegal immigrants who use public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing vouchers.

Background

The policy, known as ‘public charge,’ was first implemented in February 2020 as one of President Donald Trump’s moves to limit legal immigration. However, it was reversed after President Joe Biden came to power.

Under the policy, applicants for green cards have to show they wouldn’t be burdens to the country or ‘public charges.’ The federal government ‘is reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources and ending policies that encouraged dependency on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers,’ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said.

Impact

Immigrant rights advocates criticized the rule, saying it amounts to a ‘wealth test.’ Public health experts said it would lead to worse health outcomes. Nongovernmental organizations said the policy generated confusion and fear and caused many immigrants and their U.S.-born relatives to decide not to apply for benefits and services to which they were entitled.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.