The U.S. government has set new standards for obtaining permanent residency and U.S. citizenship,...as part of Trump administration's efforts to reduce immigration.
For more on this and other news from around the world, let's turn to our Kim Da-mi.
So Da-mi, tell us more.
Mark, the Trump administration unveiled a new rule on Monday...that could deny visas and permanent residency to hundreds of thousands of people for being too poor.
This means the new policy would reject applicants for temporary or permanent visas, who fail to meet income standards or receive public assistance, including food stamps, welfare and public housing.
Coming into force on October 15th,...the change aims to ensure that immigrants are "self-sufficient," according to the administration.
"Through the public charge rule, President Trump's administration is reinforcing the ideals of self-sufficiency and personal responsibility, ensuring that immigrants are able to support themselves and become successful here in America."
The change seeks to redefine what it means to be a "public charge," and who is likely to be one under U.S. immigration law.
So from now on, wealth, education, age and English-language skills will take on greater importance in the process of obtaining a green card.
Showing higher levels of income is now much more necessary for applicants to get a visa.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, more than half of all family-based green card applicants would be denied under the new rules.
