NewsWFLA News TampaSeptember 14, 2026Hillsborough County
States and cities sue over federal rule denying green cards to immigrants using public benefits
Photo: WFLA News Tampa
Democratic-led states and cities filed lawsuits challenging a federal rule that grants the administration broad discretion to deny green cards to immigrants relying on public assistance for food, healthcare, and housing. The rule is scheduled to take effect on Friday.
Read the full story at WFLA News TampaWhy It Matters
Immigrants relying on for basic needs face potential denials under the challenged federal rule, while participating states and cities dispute the rule's implementation in court.
Key Facts
- Democratic-led states and cities filed lawsuits on Monday challenging a federal rule.
- The federal rule gives the administration broad discretion to deny green cards to immigrants relying on public assistance.
- Public assistance covered under the rule includes food, healthcare, housing, and other basic needs.
- The federal rule is scheduled to begin on Friday.
Who's Mentioned
locationMichigan“State involved in the lawsuit”PersonSteve Banks“City corporation counsel”PersonDonald Trump“President whose administration issued the rule”PersonJoe Biden“Preceding Democratic President”PersonZohran Mamdani“New York City Mayor filing a separate suit”locationChicago“City joining the separate lawsuit”locationNevada“State involved in the lawsuit”locationSan Francisco“City joining the separate lawsuit”locationHawaii“State involved in the lawsuit”PersonLetitia James“New York Attorney General leading a coalition of 21 states”locationCalifornia“State involved in the lawsuit”locationManhattan“Location of the federal court where lawsuits were filed”locationNew Mexico“State involved in the lawsuit”PersonRob Bonta“California Attorney General”locationMassachusetts“State involved in the lawsuit”OrganizationU.S. Department of Homeland Security“Federal agency targeted by the lawsuits”locationSeattle“City joining the separate lawsuit”locationColorado“State involved in the lawsuit”locationNew York“State leading the legal challenge”locationWisconsin“State involved in the lawsuit”