US tightens visa norms |
The US administration on Monday announced it is moving forward with one of its most aggressive steps till date to restrict legal immigration that is denying green cards to many migrants who use Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers or other forms of public assistance. Federal law already requires those seeking to become permanent residents or gain legal status to prove they will not be a burden to the US a "public charge," in government speak but the new rules detail a broader range of programs that could disqualify them. It`s part of a dramatic overhaul of the nation`s immigration system that the administration has been working to put in place, despite legal pushback. While most attention has focused on President Donald Trump`s efforts to crack down on illegal immigration, the new rules target people who entered the United States legally and are seeking permanent status. Under the new rules, US Citizenship and Immigration Services will now weigh whether applicants have received public assistance along with other factors such as education, income and health to determine whether to grant legal status. The rules will take effect in mid-October. They don`t apply to US citizens, though immigrants related to the citizens may be subject to them.
|
|
|
|