US May Deny Permanent Residence To Migrants On Social Benefits - Homeland Security

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd September, 2018) The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new regulation that would toughen the rules of granting permanent residence to those migrants, who have used certain public benefits.

According to the department's press release published on its official website on Saturday, migrants could be denied Green Cards if the authorities believe them to be or to be likely to become a "public charge," enjoying public benefits in larger amounts or for longer periods than usual.

The department added that receiving excessive public aid would be regarded as a "heavily weighed negative factor" when making a decision about granting permanent residence.�The benefits mentioned in the new regulation include income maintenance and social housing programs, Medicaid and food stamps, among others.

"Under long-standing Federal law, those seeking to immigrate to the United States must show they can support themselves financially ... This proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended to promote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuring that they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers," Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen was quoted as saying by the the department's official website.

Politico news outlet reported that the rule would affect mostly legal migrants because those who arrive in the country illegally are not eligible for most public benefits, adding that under the rule, Green-Card seekers who can potentially become a "public charge" could be asked to post an at least $10,000-bond to get permanent residence.

During his presidential campaign, then-Republican candidate Donald Trump repeatedly stressed his intention to curb immigration to the United States, promising to build a wall on the Mexican border and to put an end to the so-called green card lottery and chain migration, which allows legal migrants' families to arrive in the country.�

In May, the Trump administration also implemented a highly controversial practice of separating children from parents who have illegally crossed the US-Mexican border.