Trump renews plan to target immigrants who rely on government benefits
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President Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One on Nov. 16, 2025 at Palm Beach International Airport in Florida. Photo: Roberto Schmidt/Getty Images
The Trump administration on Monday plans to bring back a rule that would make it harder for immigrants deemed likely to rely on government benefits to gain permanent residency.
The big picture: The proposal, first reported by Politico, which would give DHS officers more discretion in assessing "fact-specific public charge inadmissibility determinations," such as an applicant's use of Medicaid or food assistance programs, was roundly criticized by immigrant advocacy groups.
- The draft of the plan, which is modeled after Trump's first-term "public charge" rule that former President Biden revoked in 2022, asserts that immigrants should be "self-reliant" and "government benefits should not incentivize immigration."
By the numbers: Up to 400,000 people could be denied green cards or visas each year because of the rule, Axios previously reported during Trump's first term proposal.
- Immigrants consumed 11.9% of all means-tested welfare and entitlement benefits in 2022 — 54% less welfare than U.S.-born Americans, a CATO Institute study found.
- DHS estimates that the change could save federal and state governments roughly $8.97 billion annually as immigrants drop out of public benefit programs, according to the filing.
Yes, but: DHS acknowledged that the proposal could have "downstream" effects, including reduced revenue for healthcare providers, medical suppliers and pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- Grocery retailers participating in SNAP and landlords participating in federally funded housing programs could also see negative impacts, DHS said in the document.
State of play: The administration issued additional restrictions earlier this month to reject visa applicants based on health conditions like obesity, cancer or diabetes.
- DHS will accept public comments on the proposal for 30 days after its expected publication in the Federal Register on Nov. 19 before finalizing a decision.
What they're saying: Adriana Cadena, executive director of advocacy group Protecting Immigrant Families, said in a statement the proposal would deter lawfully present immigrants and U.S. citizens from seeking health care and help they need and qualify for under federal law.
- "This dangerous proposal puts the nation's health and economic wellbeing at risk," Cadena said.
- "The proposal's invitation to political bias, coupled with the administration's out-of-control enforcement assault on immigrant families, make this proposal even more dangerous," Cadena added.
- "The chaos and fear that drive the chilling effect are much worse than last time, so the impact could be even bigger."
- DHS did not immediately respond other Axios' Thursday evening request for comment.
Go deeper: Adventures in getting a green card
