US states sue Trump admin. over new immigration policy
A coalition of states has sued the administration of US President Donald Trump over its new rule that would block green cards for many immigrants who claim welfare benefits.
The attorneys-general of California, Maine, Oregon, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia filed the latest court challenge to the "public charge" rule on Friday, describing it as unconstitutional.
"The rule was motivated by intentional race- and national origin-based animus against individuals from what President Trump has referred to as 'shit-hole countries'," said the lawsuit.
The rule targets millions of mostly Hispanic migrants who receive food stamps, public health care and other assistance.
"This cruel policy would force working parents and families across the nation to forego basic necessities like food, housing, and health care out of fear. That is simply unacceptable," said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
Meanwhile, California governor Gavin Newsom told reporters in Sacramento that "it's insidious beyond words and California will have none of it."
The Trump administration Monday unveiled the long-anticipated rule which takes effect October 15. In a White House statement, Trump said that “immigrants must be financially self-sufficient."
Federal law already requires those seeking green cards and legal status to prove they will not be a burden to the US, but the new rule expands the definition of a “public charge” and stands to disqualify more people.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will now weigh public assistance along with other factors such as education, household income and health to determine whether to grant legal status.
The overhaul is part of Trump’s efforts to curb both legal and illegal immigration, an issue he has made a cornerstone of his presidency.
He has vowed to build a wall along the US-Mexico border to combat illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
The new rule comes as the president is facing growing criticism for his divisive rhetoric that critics say is encouraging racism and violence against Hispanic immigrants.
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