Some Tennessee residents who came from another country may find it harder to get a green card or visa. A new Trump administration rule would make it possible to reject applications from those who have used public assistance. It might also result in visa or permanent resident requests being denied if applicants don’t have sufficient levels of income or education. These individuals could be seen as more likely to need public assistance in the future.
The acting director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said that the country expects immigrants to be able to be self-sufficient regardless of their income. The Department of Homeland Security says that the new rule could have an impact on 382,000 people who want to seek a visa or a green card. However, others say that it would likely impact millions of individuals.
Critics of the expanded rule say that it could negatively impact children who may not get the medical or other forms of assistance that they need. There are some exceptions to the rule for those who serve in the military, are pregnant or are under the age of 21. Exceptions may also be made if services are needed in an emergency situation. Individuals who are seeking asylum or to come to America as refugees wouldn’t be impacted by the rule.
Those who are looking to remain in the United States legally may want to work with an immigration attorney. An attorney may be able to help a person determine if he or she is eligible for asylum or permanent residency. Individuals who are allowed to become permanent residents may eventually be allowed to become naturalized citizens.