NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Attorney General Leticia James says she will sue President Donald Trump for imposing new conditions on immigrants' permanent residency and US citizenship.
The announcement came hours after the White House issued new rules allowing the Department of Homeland Security to refuse visas, green cards (permanent residency) or citizenship to immigrants who benefit from government subsidies for low-income people.
The White House said yesterday that the imposition of the new rules is part of Washington's efforts to refocus the immigration system on those who deserve permanent residence in the United States.
The new resolution, which will come into force on October 15, is based on the need for migrants to be financially self-sufficient, according to the White House.
It would squander the hopes of millions of low-paid Latin American immigrants, who rely on US government aid to provide part of their livelihoods.
The decision targets migrants who benefit from the subsidy scheme within the medical assistance system, and who receive food vouchers, housing-related items, and other government assistance.
Regarding the implications of the decision, the Migration Policy Institute, a research organization, said the decision would bar more than half of green card applicants based on kinship links. US authorities granted the green card for about 800,000 in 2016.
The new rules on permanent residence and citizenship come as the Trump administration cracks down on irregular immigrants in the United States.