“Extreme Democrats are once again fighting to give benefits to illegal aliens at the expense of American taxpayers. … Immigrants must be able to support themselves.
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Four Days Before It Takes Effect, States and Cities Sue to Stop Trump's Expanded "Public Charge" Rule — Mamdani Says "New Yorkers Will Be Afraid to See a Doctor or Ask for Help They Are Legally Entitled To," and the White House Answers That "Immigrants Must Be Able to Support Themselves"
September 16, 2026
On Sept. 14, 2026, two lawsuits were filed in federal court in Manhattan against a Department of Homeland Security rule, set to take effect Sept. 18, that lets immigration officers weigh nearly any public benefit — including Medicaid, SNAP food aid and housing assistance — against people applying for green cards and visas. Earlier policy counted mainly cash assistance and long-term institutional care. New York Attorney General Letitia James leads a coalition of Democratic-led states, joined by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani leads a second suit with Chicago, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, Seattle, King County (Wash.) and the Public Rights Project. Both argue the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act and exceeds DHS's authority, and both cite the department's own estimate that the rule's "chilling effect" will cut billions of dollars a year in Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP participation, including among families who remain eligible. The White House called the suits an effort "to give benefits to illegal aliens at the expense of American taxpayers."
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“Hardworking families should not be forced to go without the support they need because they fear asking for assistance will get them deported.
“The new public charge rule seeks to push immigrant families away from the programs that have kept people fed and healthy for decades. New Yorkers will be afraid to see a doctor or ask for help they are legally entitled to. That fear will not stop at the families that the federal government is targeting. … Our immigrant communities are not a burden. They are the people who make New York City and country great.
“The new public charge rule not only sweeps aside more than a century of established law, it is intentionally vague … [as a means of creating] uncertainty and fear to isolate immigrant New Yorkers.
“Chicago will not stand by while the federal government forces immigrant families to choose between putting food on the table, taking their children to the doctor, or protecting their ability to remain in this country. This rule is not only cruel, it is unlawful, and it threatens the health and safety of our entire city.
“Seattle is joining this lawsuit to stand up for our values and the rule of law. Seattle is a place where people seeking opportunity can earn prosperity through hard work. Needing a little help along the way should never be used against someone in an immigration context.