'Fair and humane treatment': DHS axes Donald Trump's 'public charge' immigration rule: report

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized its reversal of policy put in place under the governmental leadership of former President Donald Trump.

According to Politico, the policy being reversed lodged an attack on benefits for immigrants that were more likely to depend on resources from the U.S. government.

The law aimed to deny immigrants benefits such as "permanent resident status if they had received or were expected to receive food assistance, Medicaid, housing assistance, or other public benefits."

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On Thursday, September 8, DHS Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas released a statement further explaining the reason for the rollback and how it will lead to improvements and better treatment for legal immigrants residing in the U.S.

“This action ensures fair and humane treatment of legal immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members,” Mayorkas said in a statement. “Consistent with America’s bedrock values, we will not penalize individuals for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them.”

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou also weighed in on the new policy rollout.

“In keeping with our nation’s values, this policy treats all those we serve with fairness and respect,” said Jaddou. “Though there is still much to do to overcome confusion and fear, we will continue to work to break down barriers in the immigration system, restore faith and trust with our immigrant communities, and eliminate excessive burdens in the application process.”

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The department's statement also indicates: "DHS will develop a Policy Manual update to help USCIS officers apply this regulation fairly and consistently and to better inform the public about how the rule will be implemented. DHS will also conduct public outreach and engagements to minimize the risk of confusion or chilling effects among both noncitizens and U.S. citizens."

The new rule is scheduled to go into effect on December 23 of this year.

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