States, cities, and counties are taking legal action against new federal immigration rules affecting green card and visa applications. These rules, effective Friday, allow immigration officers to consider the use of public benefits like housing, food assistance, and Medicaid when determining admissibility under the “public charge” policy. Previously, these non-cash benefits were not considered, but the Trump administration argues this change will protect taxpayer money by encouraging self-sufficiency among immigrants.
The lawsuits, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, target the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. If implemented, mixed-status families might withdraw from benefits programs, impacting U.S. citizen children who are legally entitled to these services. Experts warn of significant financial losses, with states potentially losing $4.05 billion in federal payments for Medicaid and CHIP, and $1 billion for SNAP, affecting public health and increasing medical costs.
The filing states include Colorado, California, and New York among others, claiming the policy’s ambiguities will force states to cover funding gaps, leading to staggering expenses. In parallel, cities such as New York and Chicago argue the rule unlawfully reverses longstanding public charge limits, potentially affecting 1.3 million people, including 600,000 children. New York City anticipates a decrease in primary care visits, reflecting a broader chilling effect on public services.
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani of New York City highlighted the fear the rule instills, deterring families from seeking necessary assistance. The coalition argues this will lead to higher public health risks and costs, with many children forced out of educational programs. For more information, view the full lawsuit details.
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