I wrote an article about the Rule the Trump administration recently released. Now, I normally steer away from talks about POTUS and his administration’s antics. However, this one kind of hit me right on the nose.

I am talking the ‘public-charge’ rule. The rule basically says that if you don’t speak English, are not educated, and do not have a high skill set, you are a liability. It means that you won’t be able to adequately fend for yourself in the United States, and will need government assistance.

The government feels that with those negative factors stacked against you, you will need aid. The aid will be in form of food stamps, Medicaid, housing and other things.

As a result, you will not be permitted to put down roots in the United States.

The public charge rule thus says that if you are a legal resident in the United States, and you have used public benefits for a specified period, you won’t get a green card.

Conversely, if you are applying for a visa into the United States and you have these negative factors, you won’t get a visa.

That is unless you can provide a sponsor who will guarantee that you will not need a cent in government aid. Obviously, the sponsor must be a citizen of the United States, very well off financially, and willing to meet your every need.

Otherwise, the United States immigration office would deem you likely to become a liability to government and reject your visa application.

The Trump administration believes that immigrants should not put a strain on resources meant for vulnerable Americans. This was the cornerpiece of Trump’s campaign and his mandate.

So, what does this mean for you as a Nigerian and why should you care about it?

If you have a family member in the United States through whom you are planning to gain entry into the United States, this rule might stand in your way. That is, unless you have a boatload of money to spend, or a plan to “stand on your own two feet“.

Also, if you are in a relationship and your partner is planning to go ahead of you into the United States to build a life, you might want to rethink.

While it is common for one person to go first, and the other person joins up later, it is now a bit more difficult – unless you plan to be in the United States and not rely on public benefits.

While we are on the topic, you should know that you normally don’t qualify for the U. S public charge unless you are a legal resident or a citizen.

The public charge rule has been in the constitution for over 100 years. The reason it is making the news now is because there has been an expansion of what public charge means.

Here’s what I think

Personally, I think the rule is a form of xenophobia, and it is xenophobia targeted at people who come from poor countries such as You-Know-Where.

This should not come as a shock, as Trump has never been shy when sharing his views of Africa. He has never hidden his disdain of Africa and her people, and has made a lot of caustic remarks to that effect.

However, this is a seriously bold move that was sneakily contrived to bypass Congress, because he knew that they would never approve.

The acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ken Cuccinelli, had a lot of things to say in support of the move. This is not a surprise as the man’s history suggests that he has always shared Trump’s view on immigration.

The rule has stirred outrage in lots of circles, with many lawsuits being filed to petition the courts to throw it out. We hope they succeed, because if they don’t, immigration into the United States will take on the quality of a nightmare. It will be “Goodbye to the American Dream”.

The good news is that the rule does not take effect until 12:00 am, October 15, 2019. So, if you are planning to go and join a family member or loved one in the United States, you will do well to call an emergency family meeting.

Thank God I have never been interested in migrating to the United States 😜😜😜.