New Public Charge rule going into effect in today, implementing The Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule (except in Illinois).
There is a new definition of public charge, and today the USCIS is implementing it along with other changes following the Supreme Court’s stay of nationwide injunctions against the implementation of the new Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds Final Rule.
The new definition of public charge involves consideration of an alien’s receipt of a public benefit or benefits, and is part of President Trump’s calls to require immigrants meet a desirable level of self-sufficiency.
“Self-sufficiency is a core American value and has been part of immigration law for centuries. President Trump has called for long-standing immigration law to be enforced, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is delivering on this promise to the American people. By requiring those seeking to come or stay in the United States to rely on their own resources, families and communities, we will encourage self-sufficiency, promote immigrant success and protect American taxpayers.” – Ken Cuccinelli, Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary for DHS
Here is a link to the USCIS website for Public Charge.
Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds
The final rule, as posted in the Federal Register, can be found here. It includes a new definition of public charge, among other new rules. The new definition will effectively render aliens that have received many different types of public benefits recently as inadmissible on public charge grounds, and therefore, ineligible for admission to the United States or to become a permanent resident. The legal circumstances and rules are fairly complicated and likely to cause many immigrants a lot of difficulties. For your convenience, we have included the new definition of public charge below.
New definition of public charge
“… a public charge is an alien who receives one or more public benefit for more than 12 months in the aggregate within any 36-month period (such that, for instance, receipt of two public benefits in one month counts as two months).” See the Summary of the Final Rule.
Consider totality of circumstances
Additionally, adjudicators will now also consider the totality of circumstances regarding any past receipt of public benefits below the single durational threshold.
“Under this final rule, adjudicators will consider and give appropriate weight to past receipt of public benefits below the single durational threshold described above in the totality of the circumstances.” See the Summary of the Final Rule.
The new rule is set to go into effect today, February 24, 2020, nationwide, excluding Illinois, where a district court injunction remains in effect.
The Trump administration has requested a Supreme Court stay on the district court’s injunction in Illinois. So, it’s very possible the new rule will soon apply nationwide, including Illinois.
We can help you.
If you or someone you know have received public benefits, or are receiving public benefits, and have questions about your immigration status, Christians Law, PLLC is here to help. Tyler Christians is an experienced immigration attorney and can help with your immigration needs.
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Please note that USCIS and Immigration policies change frequently and some of the content posted may be outdated, and we encourage that you consult with us. None of the content on this website is intended to be legal advice, nor does the information here or submitting questions to us create an attorney-client relationship.
