Judge Blocks Trump Public Charge Rule In NY Lawsuit

NEW YORK — A federal judge on Friday blocked a Trump administration rule targeting immigrants on public benefits from taking effect next week as part of a lawsuit brought by New York City and state officials.

U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels issued a nationwide injunction barring the federal government from enforcing the so-called public charge rule requiring immigrants seeking green cards or visas to show they are not likely to rely on certain government programs such as food stamps. The measure was set to take effect Tuesday.

The government has failed to explain why it is changing the rule, why the change is necessary and whether it is reasonable, the judge said in his 24-page decision.

"The Rule is simply a new agency policy of exclusion in search of a justification," Daniels wrote. "It is repugnant to the American Dream of the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and upward mobility."

Daniels ruled that the city and state, along with Connecticut and Vermont, were likely to succeed in their challenge to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security rule.

City and state officials have decried the proposal as an attack on immigrants striving to stay in the country legally. It may have already scared many immigrants off of food stamps and could discourage more than a quarter-million New Yorkers from seeking health care at public hospitals, city officials have said.

"Once again, the courts have thwarted the Trump Administration’s attempts to enact rules that violate both our laws and our values, sending a loud and clear message that they cannot rewrite our story to meet their agenda," state Attorney General Letitia James said in a statement Friday.

Homeland security officials contend that the rule change will help ensure immigrants who get legal status in the U.S. will be "self-sufficient." The rule will not apply to refugees, people seeking asylum or other "vulnerable" groups.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. The Department of Justice is likely to appeal it, according to The New York Times.