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Trump's new restrictive green card policy starts TODAY as immigrants brace for applications to be denied
Trump's green card policy starts today, denying applications for immigrants needing social benefits.
In brief
Trump's green card policy starts today, denying applications for immigrants needing social benefits. Trump's administration began a new green card policy requiring immigrants to prove they won't need social benefits, causing fears of application denials. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Trump's green card policy starts today
Trump's administration's new rules on green card dispersals took effect Friday, allowing federal officials to check whether applicants will need social benefits before approving permanent residency.
Immigrants must disclose social benefits status
As of Friday, immigrants applying for green cards must include information about whether they already receive social benefits and indicate if they will need them in the future.
Denial rates estimated at 10-16%
Denial rates vary but are estimated to be between 10 and 16 percent depending on the specific visa category being applied for, according to Alma Immigration.
1.3 million green card applications pending
Approximately 1.3 million green card applications were pending as of December 2025, according to the latest US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data.
Policy targets 'public charge' status
The new criteria will factor into the decision on whether applications are approved and whether applicants are allowed to work and live in the US permanently.
Reverses Biden-era policy
The rule change allows immigration officers to consider a wider array of social benefits applicants receive when determining whether to grant permanent residence.
Biden-era policy eased scrutiny
In 2022, under former President Joe Biden, USCIS lowered the scrutiny on migrants' financial state and potential draw on social benefits during the application process.
Trump rescinds Biden's rule
Trump's change rescinds the Biden-era rule and allows immigration officials to consider a larger scope of public benefits programs when determining whether applicants will become 'public charges.'
Benefits programs considered
The specific programs that will be weighed in the application process are not specified by name, but rather USCIS will consider the receipt of any means-tested public benefits.
Includes family members' benefits
Immigration officials can also look at the family members of applicants to see what benefits they are receiving before coming to a conclusion on whether to approve green card applications.
Department claims self-reliance
DHS is restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves, as stated in the department's X account.
Critics warn of chilling effect
Critics of the rule have expressed concerns that it may have a chilling effect on migrant applications for social benefits in the US.
Democrats introduce blocking bill
Several Democratic lawmakers introduced the Protect American Values Act to block funding for the rule change in August.
Senator calls it cruel
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois called the move 'yet another cruel, un-American assault on immigrants and their families.'
22 states sue to halt policy
A coalition of 22 states and DC, including California and New York, sued the Trump administration this week in an effort to halt the change.
States fear funding loss
The coalition has argued they would lose billions in federal funding should migrants unenroll from assistance programs over fears of how they could impact their green card applications.
The takeaway
Trump's administration began a new green card policy requiring immigrants to prove they won't need social benefits, causing fears of application denials.
