The 'public charge' rule is back—using Medicaid, food stamps, or housing assistance can now be held against your green card application.
The Trump administration has revived the 'public charge' rule, which allows immigration officials to deny green cards to applicants who have used or are likely to use public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), or housing assistance. This rule was in effect during the first Trump term, was paused under Biden, and is now being reinstated.
The rule affects anyone applying for a green card, including family-based and employment-based applicants. If you've received these benefits in the past or if officials believe you're likely to become a "public charge" in the future, your application can be denied. The determination is based on factors like age, health, income, education, and family support.
Using public benefits can now be held against your green card application.
If you're planning to apply for a green card and have used public benefits, consult an immigration attorney now. You may need to demonstrate financial support through an affidavit of support (Form I-864) from a sponsor with income at least 125% of the federal poverty line. Some states are challenging the rule in court, but don't rely on legal challenges to protect your application.
Source: original report ↗
Free alerts
Free: the visa and tax changes that move your plans.
Get the immigration, residency and tax changes that actually affect living abroad — verified, dated, and explained, in your inbox. Free, and one click to leave.
Free · weekly · unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.
Knowing the rule changed is the easy part.
Seasoned Expat Pro tells you what each visa change, tax rule and residency decision actually means for your move — and the paperwork it changes — in a two-minute read.
Get the edge · $20/mo
Join the readers who move before the rules do. Cancel anytime, one click.
