A lawsuit has been filed against US Citizenship and Immigration Services over changes to green card policy, Newsweek reported.

The case challenges new rules affecting green card benefits. States and cities have also sued the Trump administration over a policy that seeks to restrict green cards for immigrants who use public benefits.

The Guardian reported that states and cities are fighting the policy in court. The AP earlier reported a similar suit over a rule aimed at denying green cards to immigrants using public aid.

Immigration lawyers say the changes create fear among legal immigrants. Many worry that using health or food aid could hurt their cases.

The administration says the rules protect taxpayers. The courts will now decide whether the changes stand. The outcome could affect thousands of green card applicants.

The policy at the centre of the case affects immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States. Legal aid groups say applicants are confused about the changing rules. The court’s ruling could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states. Immigration attorneys are watching the case closely. Thousands of pending applications could be affected by the outcome.