coalition of states and local governments sued the Trump administration on Monday over a policy that would make it harder for immigrants to obtain green cards if they use public benefits such as food stamps or Medicaid. The lawsuit, filed by 22 states and the District of Columbia, argues the rule would force immigrant families to choose between essential assistance and legal residency, harming both families and local economies by reducing participation in federal programs. New York Attorney General Letitia James said hard-working families should not fear deportation for seeking support.

Trump officials defend the 'public charge' rule as necessary to protect public resources and restore self-sufficiency principles. A second suit, led by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and joined by Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County, claims the policy has already caused families with U.S. citizen children to forgo benefits like food stamps and Medicaid. The Department of Homeland Security estimates the rule could lead 950,000 people to unenroll from or avoid federal assistance programs.

The policy reverses longstanding practice by expanding the benefits considered in green card determinations, including SNAP and Medicaid, which were previously excluded. The administration says it is part of a broader effort to curb legal and illegal immigration ahead of the midterm elections.