Public Charge Rule
Immigration · Reinvent NY glossary
The public charge rule is a ground of inadmissibility where USCIS assesses whether an immigrant is likely to become primarily dependent on government benefits. Under current policy (reinstated 2022), USCIS considers age, health, family status, education, assets, income (typically 125%+ of federal poverty level), and the Affidavit of Support (I-864). Benefits that count as public charges include cash assistance (TANF, SSI) and long-term institutional care. Medicaid (except long-term care), SNAP, and housing assistance generally do not count under current rules.
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