SUNDAY READ
This is a special edition of the Snopes newsletter. Today, we’re investigating a claim that Trump will save the U.S. billions of dollars by invoking a supposedly "long-unenforced" immigration law.
Will Trump's 'public charge' immigration rule save US billions? We investigated
Rumors claim President Trump is invoking a “long-unenforced” law to deny certain immigrants entry into the country and save the U.S. $13 billion a year.
The 144-year-old law bars some immigrants entry if authorities consider them to be a "convict, lunatic, idiot, or any person unable to take care of themselves without becoming a public charge."
But has the law really gone unenforced for decades? And do the rumored savings actually add up?
We published our latest member-exclusive investigation with the facts.
In our full report, we break down:
The real history of the “public charge” rule.
What the Trump administration changed recently.
Where the $13 billion estimate comes from and what it might not consider.
The potential real-world impacts outlined by immigration experts.
Keep Snopes Debunking
Thank you for powering our reporting. Contributions from readers like you help us expand our impact. Please consider a special, one-time investment to fund future in-depth investigations.
