Senator Bernie Sanders led a coalition of senators in a letter urging the Trump administration to reverse new guidance that complicates access to public assistance programs by requiring verification of immigration status.

The letter criticized the Trump administration's decision from July 10, which reversed policies from 1998 and limited immigrant eligibility for federal assistance without public commentary.

Sanders emphasized that this policy reversal could jeopardize access to essential services for millions, particularly affecting families with U.S. citizen children and lawful permanent residents.

The senators called for an immediate reversal of these policies to protect the health, education, and well-being of all residents in the U.S.

They argued that the changes would divert resources from essential services like education, public health, and job training, negatively impacting vulnerable populations.

Specific impacts include increased red tape for Head Start programs affecting 800,000 children and delays in mental health treatment for millions relying on community health services.

The Labor Department is expected to face increased bureaucratic requirements, potentially denying career services to immigrants and obstructing their contributions to the economy.

In education, the new guidelines could hinder access to career and technical education and adult education programs, undermining the principle of free public education.

Overall, the changes are anticipated to create unnecessary administrative burdens, trapping more individuals in poverty and affecting critical programs.

The senators also highlighted that these policies could lead to racial profiling and discrimination against eligible individuals seeking assistance.

They concluded by urging immediate action to prevent further harm to immigrant communities and the nation as a whole.

The letter was addressed to key cabinet members, including Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, stressing the impact on education, health care, and social services.