Trump administration rule could further penalize immigrants for using benefits

"The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wants to expand a Biden-era policy known as public charge that could further curtail immigrants' use of public benefits. That means that migrants' use of safety net programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Medicare, could be considered when determining whether they should be granted further legal status, such as a green card. Homeland Security Department officials released a new proposed regulation this week that's set to be published in the Federal Register on Wednesday."

"Advocates were quick to criticize the proposal, arguing its new broad scope is too vague and could disincentivize the use of the benefits by immigrants who need them and qualify for them. "This dangerous proposal puts the nation's health and economic wellbeing at risk," said Adriana Cadenas, executive director of the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition. "By creating chaos and confusion, it deters lawfully present immigrants and U.S. citizens from seeking health care and help they need and qualify for under federal law.""

USCIS proposes rescinding the Biden-era public charge rule and expanding the range of public benefits that immigration officers may consider when assessing applicants' future legal status. The expansion would allow consideration of any social or health services used, including SNAP and Medicare, when determining eligibility for green cards or other statuses. The Department of Homeland Security frames rescission as restoring discretion and promoting self-reliance. Advocates warn the change is vague, could deter eligible immigrants from using necessary benefits, and risk public health and economic wellbeing by discouraging care and assistance for lawfully present immigrants and U.S. citizens.

Read at www.npr.org