States Sue Trump Following New Immigration Rules
Earlier last week Trump announced that the federal government had new rules regarding green cards and permanent residency for immigrants. Those who had sought public aid from the government and, therefore, would have low-incomes, would be denied green cards for permanent status in the US starting on October 15. Immediately following the release of the new rules, thirteen states began legal action against the federal government overrules deemed to restrict certain ethnic and economic immigrants.
Medicaid, housing vouchers, and food stamps
This week, three more states joined in filing suit in federal court: New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. These state attorney generals along with the previous states (including California, Illinois, and Pennsylvania) are suing the Department of Homeland Security arguing that the new restrictions go against the previous precedent and are discriminatory in nature.
Public aid in question includes services like Medicaid, housing vouchers, and food stamps. These are government assistance programs that are means-tested and available to those in low-income brackets and unable to support their households – most often, the most vulnerable. As a result, immigrants in the US will be placed under immense pressure, as they will need access to food stamps in order to feed themselves (and their families) while also wanting to remain eligible for future adjustment of status. Permanent residency in the US carries many benefits, but now immigrants who require public assistance will no longer enjoy these services.
New York City has also joined the states in suing the federal government in order to prevent the implementation of the rules in October. Many argue that the rules go against the very fabric of the US, which was built by immigrants a century or two prior.
by Prozco®