Image of male nurse pushing senior woman in a wheelchair in nursing facility

WASHINGTON, DC — Nearly 20 states, along with the District of Columbia, filed lawsuits challenging the federal government’s Public Charge rule. 

Officials recently published an amended Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final rule, which targets poor, legal immigrants trying to become permanent U.S. citizens. 

It would allow the government to base green card decisions on whether an immigrant could later be seen as a financial burden on taxpayers. For example, an immigrant could be denied a green card for receiving Medicaid and other public benefits. The rule was set to take effect in October.  Opponents said it could drive seniors to choose between care and residency.