Trump Administration Proposes Denying Green Cards to Immigrants Using Aid

Washington, Nov 19, 2025: The Trump administration has unveiled a controversial proposal that could significantly change the way immigrants obtain permanent residency in the United States. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have drafted a plan that may deny green cards to immigrants likely to rely on government support programs.

The proposed regulation, officially titled "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility," is set to be published today, November 19, and will allow the public to submit feedback over the next 30 days. If implemented, immigration officers will have broader discretion to determine whether applicants are likely to become dependent on government benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance.

How the Rule Works
Under the new plan, DHS officers will consider multiple factors when evaluating green card applications. These include an immigrant’s age, health, family situation, education, financial resources, and skills, as well as any prior use of public benefits. Officers may also review the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, which demonstrates that a sponsor can financially support the applicant.

Matthew J. Tragesser, spokesperson for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), explained, “DHS proposes to rescind the 2022 public charge ground of inadmissibility regulations. Through this proposed rule, DHS intends to restore broader discretion to allow officers to evaluate all pertinent facts and align with long-standing policy that aliens in the United States should be self-reliant.”

Impact on Immigrants
The proposed rule reverses protections introduced during the Biden administration, which safeguarded immigrants from penalties for using certain government benefits. Immigrant advocacy groups, including the Protecting Immigrant Families Coalition and Community Catalyst, warn that the change could create fear among millions of immigrants who depend on healthcare, food assistance, and other support programs. Many could hesitate to use essential services, worrying it might jeopardize their green card eligibility or residency status.

Experts note that the expanded discretion given to immigration officers under this rule means that more applicants could potentially be found ineligible, even those who have previously qualified. This could affect not only new green card applicants but also those already holding permanent residency if their reliance on aid is deemed excessive.

Link to Travel-Ban Nations
Additionally, reports indicate that the Trump administration may tie the proposal to ongoing restrictions on citizens from countries affected by the U.S. travel ban. Nationals from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and several others may face stricter scrutiny when applying for permanent residency.

Broader Context
The administration defends the proposal, stating that it aims to ensure that government resources are not incentivizing immigration and that residents maintain self-reliance. Critics argue, however, that the policy could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations and exacerbate inequalities in access to healthcare and social services.

As DHS prepares to finalize the rule, public feedback and legal challenges are expected to shape its implementation. For immigrants, families, and advocates, the proposal represents a crucial turning point in U.S. immigration policy, with potentially long-lasting consequences for millions seeking to build a future in the country.