Cities challenge new public-charge rule that could shrink immigrant-benefits access

New DHS public-charge rules give immigration officers broader discretion to deny green cards and visas based on public-benefits use, prompting lawsuits from New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle and counties who say the policy chills lawful benefit use and could push hundreds of thousands, including citizen children, away from food, health, housing, and education programs. DHS estimates up to about 950,000 could disenroll or avoid enrolling, while supporters argue it reduces waste and protects taxpayers. The rule follows a 2025 package limiting health insurance access for legal immigrants.