DHS rescinds Biden-era public charge rule for green cards
The Trump administration has reversed the Biden public charge rule, changing how immigration officials assess whether applicants might use public benefits.
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The Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the Biden administration's public charge rule, which had narrowed the definition of what counts as "public charge" in green card applications. The change affects how USCIS evaluates whether an applicant is likely to become dependent on government assistance.
This matters directly if you're applying for a green card or sponsoring a family member. Under the rescinded rule, fewer benefits counted against you; now, a broader range of public assistance programs may be considered when USCIS decides whether to approve your application. The shift can affect affidavit-of-support requirements and the financial threshold sponsors must meet.
A wider range of public benefits now counts against green card applicants.
If you're in the green card pipeline, consult an immigration attorney immediately to understand how this change applies to your case. The rules are retroactive in some contexts, and timing matters. Sponsors should review their financial documentation now rather than waiting for a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS.
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