World
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Sues Trump Administration Over New Public Charge Rule
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, September 14, 2026, challenging a revised public charge rule. This rule expands the types of public benefits immigration officials can consider when determining if an applicant might become reliant on government assistance, according to Fox News. Mamdani characterized the federal government's actions as a "campaign of violence and terror" against immigrant communities, citing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in homes, workplaces, and schools across New York City.
New York City is one of six sanctuary jurisdictions, including Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County, to challenge the administration's updated policy. The rule, issued in July by the Department of Homeland Security and US Citizenship and Immigration Services, is scheduled to take effect on Friday. It grants immigration officers broader discretion to consider non-cash benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing vouchers. Previous guidelines, established in 2022 under the Joe Biden administration, primarily focused on whether applicants were likely to become "primarily dependent" on cash-based assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
Mamdani stated that immigrants contribute significantly to New York City's infrastructure and public services. He also warned that the new rule, which he called a "gross illegality," could deter families from accessing essential public services. He noted that families, including those with U.S. citizen children, have already begun to avoid programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and affordable housing due to concerns that their use could negatively impact their immigration status.
White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis defended the new policy, stating that "Extreme Democrats are once again fighting to give benefits to illegal aliens at the expense of American taxpayers. Immigrants must be able to support themselves and not depend on hard-working American taxpayers. President Trump and this administration will always put American citizens first." Zach Kahler, a USCIS spokesperson, added that the administration's policy aims to protect U.S. taxpayers and ensure immigrants' financial self-sufficiency, stating, "The Trump administration is upholding the rule of law and protecting American taxpayers from subsidizing aliens who may become dependent on public benefits. USCIS is committed to safeguarding the safety, security, and financial well-being of Americans."