States Sue Trump to Stop Rule That Could Make Green Cards Harder to Get

A major legal battle over immigration is unfolding as more than 20 states and the District of Columbia sue the Trump administration over a new rule that could make it harder for some immigrants to obtain green cards.

The lawsuits, filed Monday in federal court in New York, challenge a new Department of Homeland Security policy that expands how immigration officials can evaluate whether someone is likely to become dependent on government assistance.

Under the policy, immigration officials could consider an applicant’s use — and in some circumstances benefits received by family members — of means-tested public programs when deciding whether the person could be considered a “public charge.” Programs potentially affected include Medicaid, SNAP food assistance, housing assistance and other benefits.

The rule is scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026, unless a court intervenes.

States accuse Trump administration of going too far

New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading the lawsuit joined by 21 other states and Washington, D.C. The states argue that the administration exceeded its legal authority and failed to properly consider the consequences of the policy.

They say the rule could cause immigrant families to stop using benefits they are legally entitled to receive because they fear doing so could damage their chances of obtaining permanent residency.

The coalition also warns that states could lose billions of dollars in federal funding if large numbers of residents withdraw from programs such as Medicaid and SNAP.

A separate lawsuit has been filed by New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and other local governments.

Trump administration defends the policy

The Trump administration says the change is intended to restore the principle that immigrants seeking permanent residency should be able to support themselves rather than depend heavily on public resources.

The administration has described the policy as a way to protect taxpayers and encourage self-sufficiency.

But immigrant advocates and Democratic officials argue that the rule could create widespread fear and confusion, particularly in families where some members are U.S. citizens and others are seeking immigration benefits.

The fight now moves to federal court

The lawsuits are asking a federal judge to declare the new rule unlawful and prevent the Department of Homeland Security from enforcing it.

For now, the policy remains scheduled to take effect Friday. Whether it actually takes effect could depend on what the federal court decides in the coming days.

The legal battle could become one of the most significant immigration fights of Trump’s second term, with the outcome potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of immigrants navigating the U.S. permanent-residency system.