Trump administration changes to ‘public charge’ rule could keep millions of immigrants – and their US citizen kids – from getting healthcare they need

The Trump administration has finalized a change to immigration policy that expands how broadly the government can deny green card applications. Per The Conversation, the Department of Homeland Security reinterpreted the so-called public charge rule on July 16th, starting September 18th. The rule now allows immigration officers to consider any government benefits used by an applicant or their relatives — including Medicaid, food assistance, or housing aid — when deciding whether to approve permanent residency. Previously, only three narrowly-defined benefits counted. The concern from immigration researchers: this will deter immigrants from seeking healthcare and support their families need, even when they're eligible. About one in seven immigrants already avoid these programs out of fear for their immigration status. An estimated six million US citizen children live with undocumented relatives and could be affected if their benefit use is counted against a parent's application.

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