WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is considering a proposal that would penalize immigrants for accepting almost any form of public benefit, including a popular tax credit.

Under a draft proposal first reported by The Washington Post, the Department of Homeland Security would expand the definition of “public benefit” to include the federal earned income tax credit as well as health insurance and housing subsidies.

The earned income tax credit benefits low- and moderate-income workers, particularly those with children.

Department spokesman Tyler Houlton says the proposed rule was sent to the Office of Management and Budget to be listed in the Federal Register Thursday.

He stressed the proposal is “pre-decisional,” but that the administration “is committed to enforcing existing immigration law,” as well as “respecting taxpayer dollars.”

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