“Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility that could bar an individual’s admission to the United States on a visa or application for lawful permanent residence if the government determines the individual is likely to rely on certain public benefits in the future.
This guide is designed to help individuals who serve immigrant communities that qualify for public benefits better understand the current state of public charge and how it applies or does not apply to immigrant families. This resource is also meant to equip advocates and others with detailed information on both the old and new public charge policies, so that you are ready for whatever comes next.
Highlights
- Provides comprehensive overview of the public charge ground of inadmissibility, who is subject to it, and the legal standard to assess public charge
- Includes the current affidavit of support requirement, process, and sample materials
- Discusses the Foreign Affairs Manual guidance on public charge inadmissibility in the consular processing context and special considerations involving visa refusals and provisional waiver revocations
- Presents a detailed explanation of considerations for lawful permanent residents and naturalization applicants
New in this Edition
- New content on public charge and COVID-19
- Updates on public charge litigation
- Updates on implementation at USCIS and U.S. consulates and embassies
- Guidance on prior public charge policy at USCIS and U.S. consulates and embassies in the event the new rules are not being implemented due to court order or other reason
- New chapter on Form I-944
- Updates on what to expect on the horizon with regards to public charge deportability
- New content on the Health Insurance Proclamation
