Under the so-called “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds” rule put forward by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on August 14, the US will disqualify legal immigrants from obtaining permanent resident status, commonly known as green cards, if they use, or are considered dependent upon, public-assistance programmes such as food stamps, housing assistance and Medicaid.

The DHS rule “changes the definitions for public charge and public benefits, and changes the standard that DHS uses when determining whether an alien is likely to become a ‘public charge’ at any time in the future and is therefore inadmissible and ineligible for admission or adjustment of status”.

Justice Daniels argued that the administration’s rule “is repugnant to the ‘American Dream’ of the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and upward mobility,” adding the measure is “unlawful, arbitrary, and capricious rule”.

Several lawsuits challenging the rule are currently underway across the nation, and the nationwide injunction will delay the enforcement of the regulation while those legal efforts are in process.

The district court’s ruling came a week after Mr Trump issued a proclamation saying that his administration will suspend entry of immigrants who lack healthcare or cannot prove they are able to pay for medical expenses.