Washington: US Democratic lawmakers introduced legislation to block federal funding for the Trump administration’s new “public charge” rule, warning that it could deter immigrant families from seeking health care, food assistance and housing support.
Representative Judy Chu and Senator Mazie Hirono introduced the Protect American Values Act ahead of the rule’s scheduled September 18 implementation. Indian American lawmakers Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi are among more than 50 House members cosponsoring the measure.
The legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to implement, administer, enforce or otherwise carry out the rule.
The policy would make it harder for some immigrants who use government benefits to secure green cards or adjust their immigration status, according to Chu’s office.
The public charge test allows authorities to consider whether a person is likely to become primarily dependent on government support when deciding an application for admission to the United States or lawful permanent residence.
The Trump administration’s rule rescinds a 2022 Biden administration policy. That policy stated that non-cash benefits, including Medicaid, food assistance under SNAP and housing aid, could not be considered in public charge decisions.
The new rule does not specify which benefits immigration officers may consider. Critics say that gives officers broad discretion and leaves applicants without clear standards.
“Donald Trump is once again weaponising our immigration system against families who are simply trying to build better lives in America,” Chu said.
“Unlike the previous rule, this finalised policy does not even identify which benefits will be considered in a public charge test, giving Trump’s immigration officers sweeping discretion to deny green card applications based on subjective judgement instead of clear legal standards,” she said.
The rule also removes a safeguard preventing officers from considering benefits used by an immigrant’s family members. Opponents fear this could discourage US citizens and permanent residents in mixed-status households from obtaining assistance for which they remain legally eligible.
Hirono said the absence of clear guidance would spread fear among immigrant communities.
“By removing any guidance for what qualifies as ‘public charge’ the Trump Regime’s rule creates fear and prevents immigrants and their families from accessing services they need—even if they are still entitled to them,” she said.
The bill has been endorsed by more than 100 organisations, including the American Academy of Paediatrics, Asian Americans Advancing Justice, the National Immigration Law Center, Stop AAPI Hate and the National Women’s Law Center Action Fund.
Wendy Cervantes of the Center for Law and Social Policy said uncertainty about immigration consequences often causes eligible families to avoid essential programmes. “Research has consistently shown that when families fear immigration consequences, many avoid services that they or their children are eligible for, putting children’s health and development at risk,” she said.
The term “public charge” has long been part of US immigration law. It permits the government to deny admission or permanent residence in certain cases if an applicant is considered likely to depend primarily on public support.
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