U.S. District Court Judge George Daniels issued a preliminary nationwide injunction prohibiting the federal government from enforcing its "public charge" rule. | Mary Altaffer/AP Photo James, New York officials cheer initial blocking of 'public charge' rule

New York State Attorney General Tish James declared victory Friday against President Donald Trump after a federal judge in Manhattan blocked an administration proposal that would penalize immigrants who use public benefits like food stamps and Medicaid by denying them green cards and visas.

U.S. District Court Judge George Daniels issued a preliminary nationwide injunction prohibiting the federal government from enforcing its "public charge" rule, which was set to take effect on Oct. 15 — the latest legal setback for the Trump administration in a widespread crackdown on immigration in the U.S. The ruling comes days after President Donald Trump moved to deny immigrants visas if they cannot afford health insurance.


“The history of our nation is inextricably tied to our immigrant communities, and because of today’s decision, so too will be our future," James said in a statement. "Once again, the courts have thwarted the Trump Administration’s attempts to enact rules that violate both our laws and our values, sending a loud and clear message that they cannot rewrite our story to meet their agenda."

On a call with reporters after the decision, James added the proposal was "a drastic deviation of the original intent of Congress."

"It was never intended to limit or narrow the intent of public charge," she said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo chastised the intent of the rule and said the court decision was an "important win."

"The discriminatory rule was clearly crafted to target low-income immigrants of color and punish them for being poor by denying them entry to our country," he said.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said the decision "is only further proof of something we already know — the President’s policies are xenophobic and hateful, with no basis in fact or reality."

The city joined James' lawsuit in September, which argued that the public charge rule would cause irreparable harm to hundreds of thousands of immigrants as well as the economy. It was one of nearly a dozen legal challenges that popped up across the country around the attempted change.

In his ruling, Daniels inveighed against what he said were the "repugnant" aims of the administration.

"The rule is simply a new agency policy of exclusion in search of a justification. It is repugnant to the American Dream of the opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work and upward mobility," Daniels wrote. "Immigrants have always come to this country seeking a better life for themselves and their posterity. With or without help, most succeed."

Council Speaker Corey Johnson said the court ruling was "fantastic news."

"Our nation was built by immigrants, and we will continue to stand with our immigrant New Yorkers and fight for their right to thrive and prosper in our City," Johnson said in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment.