The Trump administration’s immigration policy suffered yet another defeat, Monday after a federal judge blocked “Public Charge” policy.
The ruling by US District Court in Chicago, Judge Gary Feinerman is the latest blockage of Trump administration’s efforts to restrict immigration.
The policy allows the government to deny permanent residency to immigrants who use food stamps or other public benefits. Some public benefits include Section 8 housing vouchers, Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
“Donald Trump has continually tried to instill policies that penalize diversity. His administration’s attempt to shortchange immigrants by changing public charge threatens our public health. And destroys communities that have immigrant populations who make these places across America great.”
Kim Foxx, Cook County State’s Attorney, which brought the lawsuit that led to the ruling on Monday
A US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) official emailed immigration officers across the country informing them that the “judgment is applicable nationwide and is effective immediately.”
“USCIS must immediately cease implementing the public charge final rule,” wrote Daniel Renaud, a lead USCIS official.
A spokesperson for USCIS also said in a statement that the agency “will fully comply with the decision and issue additional forthcoming guidance while the agency reviews the decision.”
The Immigration and Nationality Act has long allowed the government to reject granting permanent residency to immigrants who were determined to be a financial burden on society, or a public charge, meaning they’re dependent on the government for financial support.
Akatarian gathered that nearly 79,000 children have withdrawn from Medicaid insurance in five states — California, New Jersey, Tennessee, Texas and Washington since the rule was announced. This represents 29 percent of all U.S. children.
This is according to a study released last month by Health Affairs, a health policy journal. Based on that finding, researchers for Health Affairs estimated that 260,000 children have been removed by their parents from nutrition and health care programs nationwide as a result of the new rule.
Meanwhile, the policy has been blocked multiple times. Advocacy groups have launched massive campaigns against the policy as well as litigations.
But the administration has been successful in lifting the previous rulings.
