Democratic AGs Challenge Trump-Era Immigration Policy in Court

Over 20 Democratic attorneys general have filed a lawsuit against a Trump administration policy restricting migrants' access to federally-funded programs. They argue the directives are unconstitutional and risk shutting down programs vital for low-income families, impacting both undocumented immigrants and legal residents.

In a legal showdown, more than 20 Democratic attorneys general are contesting a policy from the Trump administration that bars undocumented migrants in the U.S. from accessing federally-funded low-income family programs, including early education and healthcare. The policy is at risk of shutting these programs down entirely.

The lawsuit, submitted in a Providence, Rhode Island federal court, challenges directives from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Justice. The attorneys general claim the policies violate the U.S. Constitution and justify the lawsuit as they were enacted without a proper federal rulemaking process.

The policy, implemented swiftly after its July announcement, also affects certain legal immigrants and potentially some U.S. citizens lacking government IDs. New York's Head Start program could be severely impacted, with $700 million at risk, as screening participants for immigration status may not be feasible for providers.

(With inputs from agencies.)