A coalition of 22 states and the District of Columbia has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, challenging a new policy that alters the criteria for granting green cards. The lawsuit centers on the administration's expansion of the "public charge" rule, a standard originally rooted in the Immigration Act of 1882. This rule is intended to ensure that immigrants are capable of supporting themselves financially without relying on government-funded benefits.

Under the new policy, individual immigration officers are granted increased authority to deny residency applications if they determine an applicant is likely to become a public charge. This represents a significant shift from previous interpretations of the rule, which had historically been narrower in scope. The plaintiffs argue that this change unfairly penalizes immigrants and creates barriers to legal residency. The Trump administration has defended the policy as a necessary measure to ensure the self-sufficiency of those entering the country. This legal challenge follows a similar attempt by the administration during its previous term to broaden the categories of public benefits considered in immigration decisions, which also faced significant judicial scrutiny.