President Donald Trump vowed to crackdown on illegal immigration as part of his 2016 campaign promises. The Supreme Court’s latest ruling helped his administration put that plan into action Tuesday.
The highest court in the land ruled Friday that the Trump administration’s move to reinstate “public charge” — a rule that will make it much tougher for illegal immigrants to rely on U.S. government welfare programs — was legal.
Trump officials are calling it a win for Americans.
According to Fox News writer Adam Shaw, although the “public charge” rule is already a part of U.S. immigration law, the updated conditions will more clearly define how exactly illegal immigrants are violating the rule and putting a strain on government resources.
Many experts claim that the updated rule will keep illegal immigrants off welfare programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Trump officials claim that the move prioritizes the long term stability over the short term.
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli is insistent that the move is promoting self-sufficiency for illegal immigrants while also protecting hardworking U.S. taxpayers.
He said, “Self-sufficiency is a core American value and has been part of immigration law for centuries. By requiring those seeking to come or stay in the United States to rely on their own resources, families, and communities, we will encourage self-sufficiency, promote immigrant success and protect American taxpayers.”
” … people seeking to be long-term immigrants here, and maybe join us as citizens, will be able to stand on their own two feet,” he added.
The Washington Examiner writes that the “public charge” rule also contains a thorough vetting process for illegal immigrants, which considers “an alien’s age, health, income, education, and skills,” so that the government can easily decipher whether or not an illegal immigrant will be a burden in the future.
Democrats on the other side of the aisle staunchly oppose the bill, which has been for years lingering around Capitol Hill. But this wasn’t always the case.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. both supported the bill in the past, The Washington Examiner reported.
The Horn editorial team