The Rule That Could Threaten Your Green Card

As Congress and the courts have blocked some of President Donald Trump’s most aggressive attacks on immigration, the White House has chosen to wage the war through federal regulation. A proposed rule change under review by the Office of Management and Budget would have far-reaching effects on legal immigrants already living in the U.S. and on others seeking to come.

The rule, early versions of which have been leaked, would greatly expand the definition of who is likely to become a “public charge.” Currently, an immigrant applying for residence through a family or diversity visa is denied if he or she appears likely to become dependent on cash assistance from the government, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or to require long-term health care at public expense.