Trump administration set to bring back rule denying green cards to applicants using public benefits

President Donald Trump's administration is set to bring back a rule that could see green card applications for immigrants in the U.S. denied if they used public benefit programs like food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, and others. According to a report in the Associated Press, the policy, known as 'public charge', appeared on Thursday in the Federal Register and will be formally published on July 20. It was first introduced in 2020 under Trump's first administration but was rescinded after Joe Biden came to power.

As per the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph B. Edlow, the move is directed towards "reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources and ending policies that encouraged dependency on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers." Edlow added that the agency was "restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves." The move could see immigrants in the U.S. avoid using public benefit programs in order to receive their green cards.

While the Trump administration has always made it clear that it would be adopting a hardline approach to immigration, it is important to note that such a policy already existed under federal law. "Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual applying for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States if deemed likely at any time to become a public charge," a press release by the USCIS read.

It also stated that under the Biden administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was restricted from considering certain public benefit programs that immigrants may have taken advantage of while scrutinizing their green card applications. Under the new rule, USCIS officers would be able to assess a wide variety of such programs that one may have used despite not being an American citizen on a case-by-case basis for each applicant.

“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,” said USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler.  "This final rule is intended to help ensure that those seeking permanent residence are able to support themselves and are not likely to become primarily dependent on public assistance," a post on X by the agency read.