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Just when you thought the Trump administration couldn’t be any harsher toward immigrants, they’ve somehow found a new way to instill fear in the hearts of those seeking to make a life in this country.
According to sources at NBC News, in coming weeks, White House officials are expected to issue a proposal that would make it harder for legal immigrants to become citizens or even qualify for green cards if they’ve ever used any form of public welfare programs, which somehow now includes Obamacare.
The plan, which has yet to be approved by Congress, was initiated by White House senior adviser Stephen Miller as a way to severely restrict the number of immigrants who are able to obtain legal status in the U.S.
Based on the most recent proposal draft, which has yet to be finalized, immigrants living legally in the U.S. who have ever used or whose household members have ever used Obamacare, children’s health insurance, food stamps and other social benefits could be prohibited from obtaining citizenship.
Public health researchers, immigration lawyers and advocates all agree this would be the most drastic change to the legal immigration system in decades, which could adversely affect the lives of over 20 million people. The plan could be particularly devastating to immigrants working jobs that don’t pay enough to support their families and therefore need assistance as a means of basic survival.
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“The administration is committed to enforcing existing immigration law, which is clearly intended to protect the American taxpayer by ensuring that foreign nationals seeking to enter or remain in the U.S are self-sufficient,” a spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security said.
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“Any proposed changes would ensure that the government takes the responsibility of being good stewards of taxpayer funds seriously and adjudicates immigration benefit requests in accordance with the law.”
https://twitter.com/michaelianblack/status/1026815488964345857
Stephen Miller & his allies always complain that illegal immigrants don’t ‘follow the rules’ & should ‘get in line.’ But this is how they treat the people who do follow the rules & get in line? https://t.co/hIriS4dEeX via @nbcnews
— Nahal Toosi (@nahaltoosi) August 7, 2018
This is outrageous. Legally using Obamacare or food assistance shouldn’t disqualify immigrants from becoming citizens. https://t.co/lfZ1knbvrq
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) August 7, 2018
Trump & Stephen Miller are playing white nationalist playbook, going after immigrants by reviving a racist law from 1800s that seeks to keep 20 mil immigrants from receiving citizenship. We must stick together in the streets, in the courts, & at the ballot box!
— Rev. Dr. Barber (@RevDrBarber) August 7, 2018
Stephen Miller targeting legal immigrants is just another indication that below his penis-shaped head is someone who is completely racist and xenophobic to their core.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) August 7, 2018
Despite this reassurance, immigration lawyers practicing in Massachusetts, Virginia, Tennessee and California have all confirmed to NBC News that they’ve noticed a spike in the number of their clients being rejected when seeking green cards and naturalized citizenship.