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Making It Easier to Reject Immigrants, Trump Administration Releases 'Public Charge' Rule

The administration has portrayed the rule as a way to promote sufficiency and independence among immigrants.

By Chris Mills Rodrigo

The Trump administration on Monday released the final version of a controversial rule that dramatically increases the government's ability to reject green cards for people who are deemed likely to depend on government aid such as food stamps, housing assistance and Medicaid.

The new "public charge" rule would link a subject's immigration status to their income and their use of certain public programs.

Published in the Federal Register, the rule will officially be released Wednesday and go into effect 60 days later. 

Ken Cuccinelli, the acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced the rule at a press briefing at the White House on Monday morning.