Judge voids rule requiring immigration status checks for federal programs

A federal judge ruled that a controversial rule, which required states to check the immigration status of participants in federally funded programs, was invalid. The judge stated the government failed to provide the required public notice and comment period when releasing the rule. This rule was based on an executive order from Donald Trump that sought to limit access to nearly all federally funded programs to specific legal statuses.

The ruling means that millions of residents, including immigrants and native-born citizens, will not be required to prove their legal status to access services. The federal government had previously attempted to restrict access to programs like Head Start, community health centers, and food pantries based on a reinterpretation of a 1996 welfare law.

A previous ruling had already struck down an administration directive affecting federal program access involving Head Start and the Administration for Children and Families. Donald Trump is currently facing opposition regarding his voucher program.