A coalition of 13 U.S. states sued President Donald Trump’s administration on Wednesday, in an attempt to block a new rule that could dramatically reduce legal immigration by denying visas to poor migrants.
According to experts, the rule could reduce legal immigration in half by denying visas and permanent residency to thousands of people if they fail to meet high enough income levels or if they receive public assistance such as welfare, food stamps, public housing or Medicaid.
The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday in a federal court in Spokane, Washington, suing the US Department of Homeland Security, which monitors the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island and Virginia are the other states joining Washington in the lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.
The rule, which was released on Monday and it is going to take effect on Oct. 15, expands the definition of a public charge, enabling denials to visa applicants who fail to meet income standards or who have received public assistance.
Federal law already requires those seeking green cards and legal status to demonstrate that they will not be a burden to the US, but the new rule expands the definition of a “public charge” and can disqualify more people in a significant way.
“The Trump Administration’s message is clear: if you’re wealthy you’re welcome, if you’re poor, you’re not,” Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson said in a statement. “This rule is un-American, anti-immigrant and unlawful.”
Ferguson said the rule violates the Immigration and Nationality Act by redefining “public charge” in a way that is not conected to its original meaning and Congress’ intent.
The lawsuit is similar to one filed on Tuesday by the city of San Francisco and Santa Clara County seeking to block the rule.
The 13 states said in their lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, that the new rule “effects a radical overhaul of federal immigration law transforming a system that promotes economic mobility among immigrants into one that advantages immigrants with wealth.”
This reform is part of Trump’s efforts to hold both legal and illegal immigration, an issue he has made a keystone of his administration.
The new rule comes as Trump is facing growing criticism for his divisive rhetoric that critics say is foster racism and violence against Hispanic immigrants.
Noticias Newswire
