a bullet to the head of the longstanding “public charge” doctrine. The doctrine states that “no alien can be allowed into the United States if he is going to become a burden on the US taxpayer upon entry — a public charge.”
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When I immigrated to the US in 1871, before I came I signed documents and swore that I would not apply for welfare, food stamps, free medical, any type of “public assistance”...
I would be deported if I did...
I also had to have a certain amount of money with me...
When this changed I dont know...
I was a legal immigrant (Registed Alien) who was allowed a “green card (Alien Registration Card) after 90 days so that I could work here...
My green card arrived in the mail after 60 days and then I worked...
But before that I had to support myself...
In those days the difference between an American citizen and a registed alien was ...I couldnt vote or hold a government job...not even the Post Office...
But I could be drafted (if a male) and I could go in the US Armed Forces..
(Illegal aliens can not go into the service either)
When any of that changed I dont know...
I sorta figured you for a seasoned citizen, Nana, but not that seasoned!
How old are you. That is when my grandparents came to the USA.