New Trump green card rule could affect immigrants using public benefits

The Trump administration has finalised a new immigration rule that could make it more difficult for some legal immigrants to obtain green cards if they use or are considered likely to need certain public benefits.

The rule, published on Monday, expands the way immigration officers assess whether an applicant is likely to become a "public charge." It replaces a 2022 Biden administration policy that excluded non-cash benefits from consideration.

In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said: “Under @POTUS Trump, DHS is restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves.”

“We are reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources, and ending policies that encouraged dependency on hard-working American taxpayers.”

According to DHS, about 588,000 green card applicants undergo public charge reviews each year.

The new rule allows officials to consider a broader range of means-tested public benefits when reviewing applications, although it does not specify every programme that may be included.

Immigration advocates criticised the policy, warning it could discourage eligible families from applying for essential support.

Crystal FitzSimons, president of the Food Research & Action Center, told CNN: “We need to make sure that families who are eligible to participate in the federal nutrition programs are not afraid to participate in them.”

The rule is due to take effect on 18 September.