[Independent] The Trump administration has proposed a new rule denying visas and green cards to legal immigrants who are likely to claim government benefits such as food stamps or housing vouchers.The move could force millions of low-income immigrants to choose between vital support and their hopes of US residency, advocacy groups have warned.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Saturday the planned change would allow officials to disqualify immigrants’ applications based on receipt of federal assistance such as food stamps, Section 8 housing vouchers or Medicare and Medicaid drug subsidies.
Such benefits would be considered "a heavily weighed negative factor" in granting green cards for permanent residency or in issuing visas for temporary stays.