Trump Administration Will Seek To Limit Green Cards For Immigrants Needing Public Aid

Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said a proposed rule being submitted for public comment is designed to ensure that immigrants “are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers.”

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Updated at 11:13 p.m. ET

Immigrants who benefit from various forms of public assistance, including food stamps and housing subsidies, would face sharp new hurdles to obtaining a green card under a proposed rule announced by the Trump administration on Saturday.

Federal law has historically sought to exclude immigrants who are likely to become a “public charge,” but the proposed rule would expand the government’s ability to deny immigrants residency or visas if they or family members benefit from aid programs, such as Medicaid Part D, a prescription drug program for the elderly and disabled; the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); and Section 8 housing vouchers.