World
Trump Administration Proposes New Rule That Denies Green Cards To Those Already Seeking Government Benefits
The new rule would affect more than 382,200 immigrants applying for green cards each year
The Donald Trump led administration on Saturday announced a new rule proposing denial of visas and green cards to legal immigrants who use government benefits including food assistance or housing vouchers.
“Under the long-standing federal law, those seeking to immigrate to the United States must show they can support themselves financially,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a statement announcing the new rule.
Nielsen added that the proposed rule would “promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuring that they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers.”
According to the announcement, the rule will apply to non-immigrants who receive cash assistance for emergency medical attention, long-term hospitalization at government expense, low-income subsidy for certain prescription drugs, food stamps, and housing assistance. It is estimated that the new rule would affect more than 382,200 immigrants applying for green cards each year. Notably, the rule doesn’t impact those who have already received their Green Cards.
The draft regulation is expected to go through a 60-day review and public comment process once it is published in the Federal Register.
The latest announcement comes as part of President Donald Trump’s plans to crack down on immigration, both legal and illegal. The government is currently reviewing the H-1B visa policy as it believes that some companies misuse the visa policy to replace American workers.
Last week, the Trump administration has told a federal court that its decision to cancel work permits allotted to H-4 visas holders, who are mainly spouses of H-1B visa workers, will likely come into effect in the next three months.
Also, earlier this month, the US government announced it would limit the number of refugees admitted to the US in 2019 at 30,000, which is the lowest ceiling since Washington created a refugee program almost four decades ago.
