Sens. Mazie Hirono and Richard Blumenthal introduced legislation Tuesday to block the Trump administration rule allowing the government to deny entry or green cards to immigrants, based on their use of public programs like food stamps and Medicaid. The "public charge" rule is the latest in the administration's efforts to roll back the number of immigrants allowed in the nation.

The Protect American Values Act introduced by the two senators would stop enforcement of the rule by immigration authorities.

"Neither of us would be here if this rule existed when we were born,” Blumenthal said, telling the story of his father immigrating to America during a Tuesday news conference, according to The Hill. “The immigrants that this rule seeks to bar from this country are potentially the source of scientists and teachers and doctors.”

The administration in announcing the rule change attempted to frame it in such a way the rule would make it so immigrant communities would be more self-sufficient, despite data released by the Associated Press showing Immigrants are less likely to use such programs than native-born adults.

"We want to see people coming to this country who are self-sufficient,” said Acting Director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Ken Cuccinelli, to Blavity last month. “That’s a core principle of the American dream. It’s deeply embedded in our history, and particularly our history related to legal immigration.”

The National Immigration Law Center had already announced a lawsuit when the rule change was proposed last month. It has also been challenged by the attorney generals of 16 states.

Sen. Hirono told The Hill since the legislation's announcement, it had gained the support of 27 senators. If the legislation is not passed, the "public charge" rule change is still slated to go into effect on October 15.