New York, 21 States Sue to Block DHS Green Card Rule as $2.2 Billion Funding Risk Looms
Updated
Updated · CNN · Sep 14
New York, 21 States Sue to Block DHS Green Card Rule as $2.2 Billion Funding Risk Looms
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Sep 14
Summary
22 states and Washington, D.C., filed suit in Manhattan on Monday to stop a DHS rule taking effect Friday that broadens officials’ power to deny green cards, visas or entry over expected reliance on public benefits.
The change rescinds a 2022 Biden-era standard and no longer limits review to cash aid, potentially sweeping in Medicaid, food stamps, housing vouchers and even benefits sought for family members.
New York and the other plaintiffs say the rule exceeds DHS authority, is arbitrary and capricious, and would chill enrollment by mixed-status families who legally qualify for aid.
$2.2 billion in reduced federal payments could hit the plaintiff states, according to the complaint, part of an estimated $4.05 billion nationwide loss tied to Medicaid and CHIP disenrollment.
Cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle are pursuing a parallel lawsuit, underscoring fears that the policy will ripple through public health, schools, local economies and safety-net systems.