Kenyans applying for U.S. green cards now face greater scrutiny after a new rule by Donald Trump’s administration took effect on Friday, September 18, giving immigration officers more authority to assess immigrants’ use of public assistance.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Previously, U.S. immigration officers mainly considered cash assistance when assessing whether an immigrant was likely to become a public charge. Under the new rule, they can consider a wider range of government benefits, including Medicaid, food and housing assistance.

Officers can also consider benefits received or applied for on behalf of an applicant’s family members, including children who are U.S. citizens.

Th e rule allows officers to consider a wider range of government benefits when determining whether a foreign national is likely to become a 'public charge' and depend on public resources.

📌 What You Need to Know

The new policy affects thousands of foreigners, including Kenyans seeking permanent residency, and is set to have a heavy impact on foreigners who depend on the U.S. government's assistance for survival.

In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the rule restores the principle that immigrants should be able to support themselves in the United States.

The agency said the changes would protect public resources and prevent policies that encouraged dependency on American taxpayers.

"Under President Trump, we are restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves," the Department of Homeland Security said.

"We are reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources, and ending policies that encouraged dependency on hard-working American taxpayers."

DHS estimates that about 588,000 green card applicants undergo public charge reviews each year, with a section of experts now warning the new rule could discourage eligible immigrant families from accessing essential safety-net programmes.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke