US to limit benefits for immigrants

US IMMIGRANTS who get public benefits like food stamps OR housing vouchers could be denied green cards, under a new proposal from President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Saturday that under the proposed rule change, being a current or previous recipient of certain public aid would be seen as a heavily weighed negative factor” in considering an application for lawful permanent residency.

Immigrants applying for green cards are already required to prove they will not become a so-called

public charge”, with receipt of cash benefits considered.

But the latest rules set out a wide range of non-cash public benefits that could be disqualifying, including food stamps, housing vouchers and the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy which helps with prescription costs.

DHS estimated the rule would affect just over 382,200 immigrants applying to adjust their status to lawful permanent residents each year.

The rule would primarily affect legal immigrants or people seeking to come to the US legally, as undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for most meanstested public benefits.

The proposal will be subject to a 60-day comment period before coming into effect.