NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware are among more than 20 states challenging a recent rule change to benefits for non-citizens.
The Department of Homeland Security is changing the 2022 version of the public charge rule to include benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid and Section 8 housing.
The public charge rule has long been in place and allows immigration officials to deny entry to immigrants who are unlikely to financially support themselves. The rule prevents non-citizens from receiving cash payments.
Under the new rules, immigrants applying for entry and visa extensions would face added scrutiny if they are receiving other forms of welfare. The states said this is a cruel and arbitrary rule change that could have devastating consequences on immigrant communities.
“It forces immigrant families into an impossible position: fearing to seek help to cover their basic needs, including for healthcare or food, because of the risk that their green card applications might be flagged for rejection by an immigration official,” said New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
The Trump administration said these benefits and services should be only for U.S. citizens and that immigrants must be able to support themselves.
This change goes into effect Sept. 18 unless the court system blocks it.
It impacts benefits for non-citizens
It impacts benefits for non-citizens
