The Trump administration on Saturday said it would propose making it harder for foreigners living in the United States to qualify for permanent US residency if they have received public benefits such as food aid, public housing or Medicaid. US immigration law has long required officials to exclude a person likely to become a “public charge” from permanent residence. “Under long-standing federal law, those seeking to immigrate to the United States must show they can support themselves financially,” said secretary of homeland security, Kirstjen Nielsen. Immigrant advocates have criticized the administration’s plan,saying that it is an effort to cut legal immigration without going through Congress to change US law. They also believe the rule could negatively affect public health by dissuading immigrants from using health or food aid to which they or their children are entitled.

Source: The Guardian September 23, 2018 00:33 UTC