Trump revives green-card rule tied to Medicaid, food aid use

The Trump administration is bringing back a policy that can deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps and housing vouchers. The "public charge" rule appeared Thursday in the Federal Register and is scheduled for formal publication on July 20, with an effective date of Sept. 18. The policy first took effect in February 2020 during Donald Trump's first term and was later reversed under Joe Biden. Federal law already requires applicants for permanent residency to show they are unlikely to become a public charge, but the Trump-era version broadened the list of benefits that can count against them. Immigrant rights groups have criticized the rule as a wealth test, while public health experts have warned it can deter families from seeking benefits they are eligible to receive.