A new public charge rule approved by the Supreme Court earlier this week may make it more difficult for some immigrants to obtain green cards if it is deemed they are relying on certain programs too much.

The Trump administration's rule would allow people applying for a green card or visa to be judged on their income, education levels and use of public assistance programs like food stamps.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the measure 5-4.

The public charge would make immigrants ineligible for permanent legal status if they use public benefits in any 12 months of a 36-month period. In the past, only substantial and sustained monetary help counted.

According to the New York Times, fewer than 1% of applicants were disqualified on public charge grounds. Opponents, like former City Council speaker and Congressional hopeful Melissa Mark Vivirito, fear it will stop immigrants from participating in government programs that could help their families.

The city's Office of Immigrant Affairs says New Yorkers with questions about "public charge" can call the Action NYC hotline.