The United States Supreme Court on Monday allowed the Donald Trump administration to proceed with the public charge rule that aims to deny permanent residency and citizenship to immigrants who claim welfare benefits.
The move came in response to a request made by the US President to lift a New York court injunction that blocked the rule’s application. The Supreme Court’s conservative justices outvoted their four progressive colleagues to give the green light to the hardline stance, which has been a cornerstone of Trump’s presidency.
"Today the Court (rightly) grants a stay, allowing the government to pursue (for now) its policy everywhere save Illinois," the Supreme Court ruling said.
The White House praised the ruling, calling it a "massive win for American taxpayers, American workers, and the American Constitution" in a statement.
Trump announced the new rule in August last year, saying that "to protect benefits for American citizens, immigrants must be financially self-sufficient."
Under the new rules, 22 million non-resident citizens of the US using food stamps, public healthcare and other welfare will not be able to obtain green cards or US citizenship.