New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday condemned the federal government's immigration policies, calling them a "campaign of violence and terror" against immigrant communities. Mamdani made these remarks during an announcement that New York City, along with five other sanctuary jurisdictions, is suing the Trump administration over a new rule that expands how immigration officials determine if applicants are likely to become a public charge.
"ICE has broken into our neighbors' homes, work sites and schools. And it has targeted those who have come to our country in search of refuge and in search of opportunity," Mamdani stated. "These actions are an assault on our civic fabric, on our shared values."
Mamdani asserted that immigrants are the backbone of New York City, contributing to its infrastructure and public services. "Immigrants from every country, from every continent, who speak every language and worship in every conceivable way, drive our buses and our trains, teach our children how to read, and tend to us when we are sick," he said. "Immigrants fought for the 8-hour workday for fair pay and workplace protections that deliver dignity into the lives of so many."
The lawsuit challenges changes issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in July. The updated rule expands the discretion of immigration officers to consider noncash benefits, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and housing vouchers, when assessing an individual's likelihood of becoming a public charge. This contrasts with the previous guidelines, established under the Biden administration in 2022, which narrowed the scope to primarily consider cash benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
USCIS stated the rule aims to ensure noncitizens are "self-reliant and not dependent on taxpayer-funded government benefits." Mamdani characterized the changes as "gross illegality" that will inflict "irreparable damage," arguing that families, including those with U.S. citizen children, are already forgoing essential services out of fear that using them could jeopardize their immigration status.
The coalition challenging the rule includes Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County. According to USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler, the administration's policy is intended to "safeguard the safety, security, and financial well-being of Americans" by preventing taxpayers from subsidizing aliens who may become dependent on public benefits.