Government assistance comes in many forms including food stamps, Obamacare and even insurance benefits for children and other dependents. For immigrant families in Illinois and across the nation, these types of benefits can provide an incredible advantage as they work to secure their success in a new environment and country.
A recent proposal by the Trump administration could end up changing the way immigrants view government-offered benefits however. While many people may freely use these types of assistance currently, a new law in the works could lengthen the process of attaining citizenship for people who have used government benefits in the past or who are currently using them. The purpose of the law would be to reduce the number of people who are acquiring citizenship each year in the United States. It is estimated that over 20 million immigrants could feel the effects of the law if it is passed.
While the details remain unclear, data gathered from this year already shows a notable decline in the number of people seeking naturalization, as well as green cards. If the law is passed, it could complicate things for migrant workers who have jobs that do not pay enough for them to care for their families and must rely on supplemental income to make ends meet.
If people are working toward gaining citizenship and are affected by new laws, they may wish to enlist the help of an attorney. Legal professionals have the means and experience to help navigate the often-complicated process of seeking naturalization in the United States.
Source: MSN, “Now the Trump administration wants to limit citizenship for legal immigrants,” Aug. 7, 2018
