A lawsuit lands before the deadline

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and a coalition of Democratic-led cities and states sued the Trump administration over a green card rule set to take effect Friday.

What the rule changes

Immigration officers get wider discretion to deny green cards to anyone they judge "likely at any time to become a public charge," under a policy notice posted by USCIS.

“likely at any time to become a public charge”

The list got longer

Old law covered people primarily dependent on cash assistance or long-term federal medical care. The administration added non-cash, temporary programs like SNAP and WIC.

A school lunch could count

Opponents say a child's free school lunch could be held against a parent's application, pulling U.S. citizens and their families into the rule's reach.

“This is an undisguised effort to strip New Yorkers of the services they rely on. People could die.”

Two suits, 22 states

The cities and states filed in the Southern District of New York, arguing the rule drives homelessness, untreated illness and hunger. Attorney General Letitia James and 21 other states filed separately.

“New Yorkers should not have to choose between putting food on the table, getting the health care they need, and pursuing a future in this country.”

The administration is unmoved

USCIS says asylum seekers, refugees and trafficking victims are exempt. DHS mocked the suits, saying sanctuary states fear losing federal funds if noncitizens leave welfare programs.

“We're shaking in our boots over this supposedly terrible outcome.”