States and cities sue over ‘public charge’ green card restrictions

A coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and Washington, D.C., are suing the Trump administration to block a new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule. This policy modifies the long-established public charge rule from the Immigration Act of 1882, granting immigration officers the authority to deny green cards or entry to immigrants who rely on public benefits. The lawsuit challenges these restrictions, which aim to ensure newcomers can provide for themselves without utilizing governmental assistance programs.