NEW Public Charge Rule about to take effect 

The Trump administration's "public charge" rule,which allows the government to deny green cards or visas to legal immigrants who are deemed likely to use public assistance programs like food stamps, will go into force at the end of next month following this week's Supreme Court decision on the issue.  The public charge regulations will be enforced in every state but Illinois, where a federal appeals court has upheld a state-wide injunction.

Under the controversial policy, the government's ability to refuse green cards or visas for legal immigrants determined to be a "public charge," or dependent on public assistance, would be expanded. Those using or likely to use Medicaid, food stamps and other safety net programs would face greater scrutiny from immigration officials. The policy was finalized in August and originally slated to take effect in October.