New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani joined leaders from several major cities on Monday in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration over a new immigration rule that could make it harder for some lawful immigrants to receive green cards or visas.
The legal challenge comes days before the rule is scheduled to take effect. The policy would give immigration officials greater authority to deny applications from lawful immigrants who use certain public assistance programs. Supporters of the lawsuits argue that the change could discourage families from seeking essential services and create serious public health concerns.
Mamdani announced the lawsuit during a press conference at City Hall. He warned that the policy could have far-reaching effects on immigrant communities across the country. According to the mayor, the rule may cause many families to avoid health care and nutrition programs out of fear that participation could harm their immigration status.
He said the consequences could be severe, especially for children and vulnerable residents who depend on public support programs. Mamdani pointed to estimates suggesting that millions of people could decide to leave health care programs to avoid being considered a public charge under immigration rules.
The federal policy would allow immigration officials to consider the use of Medicaid and food assistance when evaluating certain applications for visas or permanent residency. Officials could use that information when deciding whether an applicant is likely to become dependent on government support in the future.
Advocates for immigrant communities argue that the rule could create fear and confusion among families who are legally living in the United States. They say many people may stop using services even when they are eligible and in need of support.
Arline Cruz Escobar, director of health programs at Make the Road New York, said immigrant families are already asking whether it is safe to use food assistance, Medicaid services, and free school meal programs. She said many parents worry that accessing those benefits could affect future immigration applications.
According to advocates, the uncertainty created by the policy could force families to make difficult choices between receiving health care, obtaining food assistance, and protecting their immigration status.
The Trump administration has defended the rule. Federal officials argue that immigration authorities should consider whether applicants rely on public benefits when deciding who should receive visas or green cards.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said the administration believes the government should carefully evaluate applications from individuals who depend on taxpayer-funded programs. The department also argued that some states and local governments are concerned about the possibility that fewer noncitizens will participate in welfare programs.
However, critics say the administration is expanding the definition of a public charge beyond what has traditionally been used in immigration decisions. They argue that the federal government is attempting to change long-standing standards without proper legal authority.
New York City is leading a coalition that includes Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County in California, and King County in Washington. The lawsuit was filed in federal court in New York and seeks to block the rule before it takes effect.
The coalition argues that immigration law has historically limited what officials can consider when determining whether an applicant is a public charge. According to the lawsuit, the new policy goes beyond those limits and could unlawfully restrict access to legal immigration pathways.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also criticized the rule. He said immigrant families should not be forced to choose between obtaining medical care, putting food on the table, and remaining eligible for legal immigration benefits.
At the same time, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a separate lawsuit challenging the same policy. She is leading a coalition of states seeking to stop the rule from taking effect while the courts review its legality.
The two legal challenges add to a growing national debate over immigration policy and access to public assistance programs. Supporters of the rule argue that it promotes self-sufficiency among immigrants. Opponents contend that it could discourage lawful residents from seeking essential services and place additional pressure on families already facing economic hardship.
With the rule scheduled to take effect on Friday, the lawsuits could quickly move through the courts as judges consider whether to pause the policy while legal proceedings continue. The outcome may affect thousands of immigrants seeking visas or permanent residency in the United States.
