In a proposed  new rule, known as "public charge"-- striking in scope and rooted in a history of xenophobia and racism -- the administration announced that immigrants who utilize virtually all public benefits risk jeopardizing their ability to stay in the country.  If adopted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will take into account a number of additional factors in considering applications for immigration visas (like work visas or family-based visas) or green cards (permanent residency).

 

The proposed rule is unprecedented in the history of the country. The Migration Policy Institute predicts millions of immigrants could be affected.  Also, by including programs like Medicaid and food stamps, which are much wider in scope, it would more likely hit working people - the majority of people on Medicaid are themselves employed, and almost 80 percent live in families with at least one working member.  Read more here.