US proposes blocking visas for those using public benefits

The administration of US President Donald Trump has proposed new immigration rules that could make it harder for immigrants to obtain visas or green cards if they or their families use, or are considered likely to use, certain government-funded public benefits.

The proposed regulation, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Saturday, would expand the circumstances under which an immigrant could be classified as a “public charge”. Under the proposal, immigration authorities could consider an applicant's use of certain benefits when deciding whether the person is likely to become dependent on the US government.

According to CNN, the rule could affect people seeking to enter the US as well as immigrants already in the country who are applying to change their legal status. Those who have received certain public benefits, or are judged likely to rely on them in the future, could face difficulties in obtaining a visa or permanent residency.

The benefits that could be taken into consideration include public housing and food assistance, subject to specified monetary thresholds.

The concept of a public charge is not new. US immigration law has long allowed authorities to examine whether certain immigrants are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance. However, the proposed regulation would significantly broaden the types of benefits and circumstances that could be considered in making that determination.

If implemented, the policy could have a wider impact on immigrant families because authorities could take a person's financial circumstances and potential reliance on public assistance into account during immigration decisions. It could also create a difficult choice for some families between accessing benefits for which they qualify and avoiding potential complications with their immigration status.

DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen defended the proposal, saying federal law requires people seeking to immigrate to the US to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially.

“This proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended to promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources,” Nielsen said, arguing that the policy would help ensure immigrants are not likely to become a burden on American taxpayers.

The proposal was not immediately a final rule. Once formally published in the Federal Register, it would enter a public comment period during which individuals, advocacy organisations and other groups could submit their views.

DHS would then be required to review the submitted comments before deciding whether and how to finalise the regulation.

The proposal was expected to face strong opposition from immigrant-rights and advocacy groups, with legal challenges likely if the administration moved ahead with the changes. The controversy reflects the Trump administration's broader effort to tighten immigration rules and place greater emphasis on immigrants' ability to support themselves financially.