We are summarizing the recent policy updates from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding the "public charge ground of inadmissibility." What is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge ground of inadmissibility is a legal term used in immigration law. It refers to a rule that can deny visas, admission, or adjustment of status to people who are...
USCIS has announced new public charge rule to be published in the final register. The new rule tries to steer clear of being labeled a "wealth test". Non-cash benefits like SNAP, Child Health Insurance, most Medicaid, housing benefits, are no longer part of public charge determination. The final rule will be effective on Dec. 23, 2022, and will apply to applications postmarked (or...
On March 9, 2021, DHS announced that it would no longer defend the 2019 Public Charge Rule (2019 Rule) implemented by the Trump Administration which led to the creation of the Form I-944. Lawsuits were filed challenging the 2019 Rule. It has been confusing at times when the Rule was put on hold, then back on, then only applicable to some jurisdictions. Given that the last court decision was to...