The Trump administration yesterday said it would propose to restrict immigrants who use public benefits. The administration said that the proposal would make it harder for foreigners to come to the United States or remain there if they have received or are likely to receive public benefits such as food aid, public housing or Medicaid.<br />''<br />'' The proposed regulation from the Department of Homeland Security would expand immigration officers' ability to deny visas or legal permanent residency to aspiring immigrants if they have received a range of taxpayer-funded benefits to which they are legally entitled,commonly known as food stamps.<br />''<br />'' The Trump administration's proposal is a sharp departure from current guidelines, which have been in place since 1999 and specifically bar authorities from considering such non-cash benefits in deciding a person's eligibility to immigrate to the United States or stay in the country.<br />''<br />'' The changes would apply to those seeking visas or legal permanent residency but not people applying for U.S. citizenship.<br />