BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) \u2014 Thousands of immigrants in Kern County could be prevented from obtaining a green card under a new rule from the Trump administration that expands the definition of “public charge.”<\/p>\n
The rule could affect immigrants applying for a green card if they are deemed likely to rely on government assistance. <\/p>\n
Immigration officials would also be able to review an applicant’s past extensively, including any eligibility for government assistance that spans into their prior history.<\/p>\n
Win Eaton, a local immigration attorney, explained what the standard means.<\/p>\n
“Public charge is an immigration screening standard concerning whether an applicant is likely to depend on government assistance sometime in the future,” Eaton said.<\/p>\n
Eaton said the rule could specifically impact immigrants already enrolled in programs like Medicare. In Kern County, nearly half the population relies on Medicare coverage.<\/p>\n
Eaton also said the issue extends beyond California and touches on the broader role immigrants play in the country.<\/p>\n
“We need immigrants to run this country. That’s the broader issue here,” Eaton said.<\/p>\n
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has been working to roll back what he described as the Trump administration’s anti-immigration policies. <\/p>\n
At a recent press conference, Bonta addressed the new public charge rule.<\/p>\n
“The administration wants to punish immigrant for using benefits that their children are legally entitled to,” Bonta said.<\/p>\n
For Bonta, the stakes go beyond healthcare access.<\/p>\n
“No family should have to choose between accessing healthcare, getting help feeding their family, having a safe and stable home or protecting their pathway to legal citizenship status,” Bonta said.<\/p>\n
Unless courts issue a decision blocking the rule, it is set to take effect on Friday, Sept. 18.<\/p>\n
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n
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