New York and other cities and counties challenged in court a new rule with which the Donald Trump Administration seeks to give more discretion to immigration officials to deny permanent residency or green card and visas to people they consider use or will use public benefits. The endless agenda of Mayor Zohran Mamdani — who these days has been seen both honoring the victims of the September 11 attack, participating in the Mexican Independence Day Parade in Sunset Park, or in a march under the last summer rain in tribute to the city’s veterans — included the announcement of this lawsuit against the new Government rule, which according to organizations would put some migrants to choose between an immigration status or a public benefit. That is, between a visa and health, or between a green card or food assistance.
To the anti-immigrant formula that for almost two years has included raids, detentions, denials of due process, interference in courts, or the halting of status adjustment or visa procedures, is added the one that would come into effect next September 18: the new federal Government “public charge” rule, which grants agents of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) the authority to determine through five factors — age, health status, family financial status, education, and skills — if they consider that a person is or will become a “charge,” that is, someone dependent on programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or some housing subsidies. The officer, based on this, could determine whether the person is eligible or not to obtain a residence card or immigrant visa.
“The new public charge rule seeks to keep immigrant families away from programs that have allowed people to have food and stay healthy for decades,” Mayor Mamdani said in a statement, aware that the new rule could generate fear that New Yorkers will avoid going to the doctor or seeking help they are entitled to. “That fear will not be limited to the families the federal Government is targeting. Families who remain fully eligible to receive benefits will feel the deterrent effect, and all New Yorkers will pay the consequences,” he assured.
Read more Juan Carlos I presents his memoirs at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
In a coalition that includes the city of Chicago, the city and county of San Francisco, Santa Clara County, the city of Seattle, King County in Washington, New York leads the lawsuit filed before the United States District Court for the Southern District. New York State Attorney General Letitia James simultaneously presents a separate legal challenge against what has been considered the last blow against immigration in the country. “Our immigrant communities are not a burden,” Mamdani said. “They are the people who make New York City and the country great. We will use all the tools at our disposal to ensure they can continue living here with dignity and without fear.”
