New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with 20 other attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the federal administration to challenge new restrictions on access to health, education, and workers’ programs. These changes were made through notices that limit these programs to residents who can verify their immigration status.
"The Trump Administration’s attempt to block our residents from accessing Head Start, community health centers, anti-poverty clinics, and other critical programs is as illegal as it is immoral and reckless," stated Attorney General Platkin. "While purporting to stop undocumented immigrants from accessing these programs, this last-minute rule change will prevent American citizens, legal permanent residents, and visa holders from receiving services that are funded by Congress."
The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education (ED), Labor (DOL), and Justice (DOJ) have reinterpreted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) in a way that restricts states from using federal funds for individuals unable to verify immigration status. This sudden change affects not only undocumented immigrants but also some lawful visa holders and U.S. citizens lacking formal documentation.
The rules took effect quickly without allowing time for state programs to adapt, leading to potential loss of federal funding if they fail to comply immediately. Programs like Head Start, Title X Clinics, community health centers, adult education programs, mental health services, and others must now implement immigration verification measures or risk closure.
In New Jersey specifically, several programs including community mental health clinics and substance-abuse prevention initiatives are affected. These serve broad populations including U.S. citizens and lawful residents without requiring immigration status verification.
The lawsuit contends that the federal government bypassed necessary procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act in issuing these changes. It also argues that applying PRWORA broadly rather than individually violates the Constitution’s Spending Clause by imposing new funding conditions on states without proper notice or consent.
Attorney General Platkin is joined by colleagues led by New York Attorney General Letitia James in seeking court intervention to declare the rules unlawful and restore previous practices.
