New York, 21 other states sue Trump administration over new green-card rule

New York and 21 other US states have filed a lawsuit seeking to block a Trump administration immigration rule that could make it more difficult for some immigrants to obtain green cards, visas or entry into the United States.

The legal challenge targets changes to the Department of Homeland Security’s “public charge” rule, which allows immigration authorities to consider whether an applicant is likely to become dependent on government assistance.

Under the revised framework, immigration officials would have broader discretion to consider certain non-cash government benefits when evaluating applicants.

New York Attorney General Letitia James is among officials leading the legal challenge against the administration.

Opponents argue that the changes could discourage immigrants and their families from accessing healthcare, food assistance and other benefits because of fears that doing so could affect their immigration status.

The revised framework could allow officials to consider benefits such as Medicaid, housing assistance and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program when assessing an applicant’s circumstances.

The coalition challenging the rule argues that the Department of Homeland Security exceeded its legal authority in expanding the definition of what can be considered under the public-charge provision.

The lawsuit also alleges that the policy is arbitrary and that the federal government failed to adequately assess its potential impact on state healthcare and social-service systems.

A separate legal action involving local governments, including Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle, is also challenging the policy.

The cases were filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, with the plaintiffs asking the court to prevent the administration from implementing the rule.

The legal battle could have significant implications for some legal immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States.