*WASHINGTON – The United States is going to implement new rules for visaseeking, green card and the immigration.*
*US to make it harder for immigrants to come to or stay in the country ifthey or members of their family use certain public benefits.*
According to CNN,linktheproposed rule, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, may makeseveral immigrants illegible for visas or green cards if they are likely toreceive some public benefits once they come to the country.
These benefits include public housing, healthcare and food stamps. Theproposed rule will also affect changes in the legal status of immigrants.
The proposal is an expansion of the ‘public charge’ concept, which meanssomeone who is likely to become dependent on the government, if they aren’talready. The US government’s immigration policies have been governed bythis rule for a while but define being dependent on the government fordirect cash assistance or government-funded long-term care.
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The changes would apply to those seeking visas or legal permanentresidency, but do not affect people applying for US citizenship, accordingto Reuters.
“Under long-standing federal law, those seeking to immigrate to the UnitedStates must show they can support themselves financially,” Department ofHomeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen said in a DHS statement.
“This proposed rule will implement a law passed by Congress intended topromote immigrant self-sufficiency and protect finite resources by ensuringthat they are not likely to become burdens on American taxpayers,” she said.
