New rule could deny green cards to low-income legal immigrants

Washington: Donald Trump’s administration has announced a rule that would allow the US to reject visas and permanent residency to people for being too poor. The US government announced on Monday a regulation to reduce the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to enter and reside in the country, by facilitating the rejection of applications for green cards and residence permits, Efe news reported. A person holding a permanent resident card or some types of visas obtained through legal means would be affected if they cannot financially support themselves without public assistance.

It would also determine the granting of a legal visa by changing the criteria of the Department of Homeland Security when interpreting whether a foreigner “is likely to become a public charge at any time”. Ken Cuccinelli has defended the new rule. “Our rule generally prevents aliens who are likely to become a public charge from coming to the United States or remaining here and getting a green card,” he said at a press conference at the White House. “Public charge is now defined in a way that ensures the law is meaningfully enforced and that those who are subject to it are self-sufficient.” “Through the public charge rule, President Trump’s administration is reinforcing the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility,” Cuccinelli said. “Ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America.”

“Under the rule a public charge is now defined as an individual who receives one or more designated public benefits for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36 month period. For instance receipt of two different benefits in one month counts as two months,” he added. (IANS)

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