US: poor migrant no residence permit

washington - The government of President Donald Trump wants to make it more difficult for foreigners to get a permanent residence permit if they receive social support from the government. A proposal submitted in a Saturday states that immigration officials should now consider whether they receive food aid, live in a social housing or use Medicaid, the care program for the poorest.

This means an extension of the applicable rules, which only state that people who are financially dependent on the state do not qualify for a so-called Green Card. Non-monetary support should, however, be left out of consideration. Minister of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen said the new directive should prevent immigrants from becoming 'a burden to American taxpayers'.

Migrant organizations warn that if the regulation is introduced public health can be jeopardized because migrants are discouraged from making use of the facilities to which they are entitled.