OREANDA-NEWS The US administration on Saturday announced an initiative aimed at tightening the issuance of visas and green cards for already legally living in the US migrants.

The 447-pages document published by the Ministry of Internal Security suggests refusal to applicants if it turns out that they have used a number of social support measures. In particular, its talking about obtaining medical services under the Medicaid program, food stamps or social housing. The use of such services may be considered a "significant negative factor" when considering an application for permanent residence in the country.

In addition, in some cases, migrants may be asked to pay a deposit of 10 thousand dollars when considering the application. According to document, the tightening of the rules for obtaining a green card can make millions of low-income families to choose between social assistance and citizenship of the United States. Human rights defenders fear that the new system will limit children's access to food and health care.

"The decree may force millions of low-income families to choose between receiving assistance from the authorities and permanent residence in the United States." -  writes in the newspaper.

According to the authorities, this innovation will affect 382 thousand people a year. Such measures are designed to ensure that applicants are able to provide for themselves financially and will not be a burden to the US social security system.

The resolution does not require parliamentary approval. However, the entry into force will be preceded by a public discussion, which may take up to a year.

Immigration reform was one of Trump's main campaign promises. To prevent the arrival of illegal migrants from Mexico, he promises to build a wall on the border with this country, advocates the abolition of the green card lottery and the so-called chain immigration, when the right to enter the United States have native legalized migrants.