NEW YORK — President Joe Biden’s administration has officially repealed a Trump-era rule that bars immigrants from obtaining legal residency if they benefit from certain government benefits, the earlier, less far-reaching ones. Return on policy is allowed.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said a new rule for so-called “public charges” would take effect at the end of December, although the Biden administration stopped implementing the previous version last year.
The national security secretary, Alejandro Meyercas, assured in a statement that the change “guarantees fair and humane treatment” towards immigrants.
“In line with America’s core values, we will not punish people for using health benefits and other complementary government services available to them,” he said.
The previous public fee rule barred people from getting green cards — so-called “green cards” — if they would be a burden to American taxpayers. During the years before the Trump administration, it was interpreted to rely primarily on government support for cash support, income maintenance, or long-term institutionalization.
However, the Trump administration has expanded benefits to include non-cash aid such as food stamps and Medicaid, the government’s medical assistance program for the poor or disabled. There were several legal challenges, but it was allowed to be implemented in 2020. The legal challenges continued, and in 2021, the Biden administration said it would no longer maintain the regulation.
Thursday’s announcement was welcomed by immigration advocates, who said the Trump administration’s expanded rule created a difficult environment for those seeking legal residency.
Jeremy McKinney, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said in a statement, “The public charge regulation has created such fear among immigrants seeking to legally apply for a green card that many have lost critical health care and financial assistance.” abandoned.”
“These changes made to make the rule simple and enigmatic will really change lives across our country.”
