A new rule introduced by the Trump administration could further limit immigration to the United States.

On Monday, the acting director of Citizenship and Immigration Services says the new rule will encourage and ensure self-reliance for those seek to come to or stay in the country.

Experts say the new rule will likely reduce the number immigrants who are allowed to stay in the U.S. and that it will heavily scrutinize the financial well-being of immigrants in the country on temporary visas and seeking a green card.

News 12 spoke to an immigration attorney, who says this is not good news for many immigrants. They said the government's decision on status can be affected by a series of factors, including government benefits received after the age of 21.

The new rule makes it easier to reject green card and visa applications for legal immigrants relying on or likely to rely on public benefits in the future.

Critics say this targets low-income immigrants and would keep families apart, with some residents likely to skip out on much-needed public aid.

In a statement from the Legal Aid Society, its CEO says, "The administration's attempt to demonize our low-income, immigrant clients – predominantly immigrants of color – for accessing these benefits is just another racist dog-whistle aimed at punishing immigrants for political gain."

The new rule goes into effect in 60 days and does not apply to refugees, asylum seekers, pregnant women or children.