Getting US permanent residence becomes tougher for migrants as Trump admin proposes to deny green cards

The Green Card which is a lawful permanent residency and a step away from citizenship, could be denied to those who legally use state aid for benefits like food stamps, prescription drugs or housing vouchers

US President Donald Trump/ Image: AFP

New Delhi: In a fresh clampdown on immigrants, US President Donald Trump's administration proposed a new rule that would deny green cards to those who get public benefits. The Green Card which is a lawful permanent residency and a step away from citizenship, could be denied  to those who legally use state aid for benefits like food stamps, prescription drugs or housing vouchers. The move is the latest in the Trump’s ‘America First’ motto which seeks to make immigration to the US even more difficult and aims at reducing the number of people allowed to stay in the country. The move makes obtaining Green Card even more difficult for people. The Department of Homeland security (DHS) said on Saturday that under the proposed rule, being a current or previous recipient of public aid would be a negative factor in the application for lawful permanent residency. Applying for Green Card requires people to prove that they will not become a ‘public charge' with the receipt of cash benefits considered.  The latest rule however makes it furthermore difficult, by setting out a wide range of non-cash public benefits that could be disqualifying. This includes food-stamps, housing vouchers and Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy. Who will be affected by US  proposed green card rule: As per official estimates, the rule would affect 382,000 immigrants applying to change their status to lawful permanent residents each ear. It would mainly affect the legal immigrants or people seeking to come to the US legally, as the undocumented immigrants are already ineligible for most public benefits. As per reports, the law experts expressed fears that immigrant families could find themselves having to choose between a united family and accessing necessities.