US to deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits – JURIST
US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday announced the return of “Public charge” rule for immigrants. Immigrants must now demonstrate that they will not become public charges, or persons dependent on the government for subsistence, but the new rule will expand the range of public benefits that immigration officials can consider when determining whether immigrants are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.
The expanded list may include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps), Temporary Assistance for Families in Need (TANF), Medicaid, housing vouchers and other programs. The rule would also allow immigration officials to consider age, health, education and job skills in determining eligibility for green cards.
USCIS DESIGNATED amendment to X, stating, “This final rule is intended to help ensure that those seeking permanent residence are able to support themselves and are not likely to become primarily dependent on public assistance … (USCIS is) … protecting public resources and ending policies that have encouraged dependence on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers.”
The rule change appeared on Federal Register on July 16. It will be officially published on July 20 and is expected to come into force on September 18.
The Trump administration first implemented the public fee rule in 2018. At the time, immigration advocates called it a “wealth test” and public health experts said it would lead to health problems among immigrants. or 2020 study from the Migration Policy Institute said the rule had “chilling effects,” but that less than 1% of the 22.1 million immigrants in the U.S. at the time might not be eligible for a green card because they used government benefits.
The Biden administration opposite rule in 2020.
Manatt Healtha law firm that advises state and federal governments estimated that the new policy would have prevented up to 26 million people from seeking government assistance. Of those, about half were American citizens, usually children or members of blended families.
