'A wealth test for admission': AOC slams Trump's new immigration rules barring people who ask for public assistance
New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has condemned a Supreme Court decision that allows the Trump Administration to pursue its policy of making it more difficult for immigrants to gain legal status if they access public assistance.
The so-called “public charge” policy was unveiled in August 2019 and would allow immigration officials to deny visas and green cards to applicants that they deem would be dependent on government services such as food stamps or subsidized housing.
The court’s 5-4 decision on Monday lifts a nationwide injunction against the policy while a legal challenge plays out, that was imposed by a federal judge in the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals.
In a tweet, Ms Ocasio-Cortez called the decision “shameful” and the policy a “wealth test”.
She likened the imposition of the rules to a cover charge at a private club.
“This is shameful. America shouldn’t have a wealth test for admission. It’s a place where millions of people are descendants of immigrants who came w nothing & made a life,” she tweeted.
“The American Dream isn’t a private club with a cover charge - it’s the possibility of remaking your future.”
This is shameful. America shouldn’t have a wealth test for admission. It’s a place where millions of people are descendants of immigrants who came w nothing & made a life.
The American Dream isn’t a private club with a cover charge - it’s the possibility of remaking your future. https://t.co/qKm7BuUhXI— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC)
Ms Ocasio-Cortez’s response was echoed by Democrat presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, whom she has been campaigning for in Iowa.
He added that the new rules are: “designed to demonize and hurt those who are the most vulnerable of all.”
This country was built by immigrants. The American people want comprehensive, humane immigration reform.
We must reverse these Trump programs which are designed to demonize and hurt those who are the most vulnerable of all. https://t.co/YHGJYK9Pst— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders)
The Department of Homeland Security can now deny entry or legal status to anyone thought to likely require public assistance for more than a year over a three-year period.
Public assistance is defined as including both cash or non-cash benefits for essentials such as housing, food, or Medicaid.
The “wealth test” will be based on the sum of the negative and positive points regarding the individual applicant, including whether they speak fluent English or have a job.
The rule also applies to immigrants already legally in the US that may be applying for a green card to become a permanent resident.
Acting Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli praised the court's decision, saying that the administration is happy with the result.
A similar ruling was made in September allowing the administration to implement its new asylum policy in which asylum seekers at the southern border must seek asylum in any country that they have passed through on their journey.
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