Trump Administration Revives 'Public Charge' Rule Affecting Green Card Applications

Washington D.C. – The Trump administration is reviving a policy that could prevent immigrants from obtaining green cards if they have utilized certain public benefits. The rule, known as "public charge," was published in the Federal Register on Thursday and is set to officially take effect on September 18.

This revived policy, first implemented in February 2020 during Donald Trump's presidency, aims to limit legal immigration. It was reversed after President Joe Biden took office but is now being reinstated. Under the rule, applicants for green cards must demonstrate they will not become a burden to the country or a "public charge."

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) stated on its X account that the administration is "reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources and ending policies that encouraged dependency on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers." The rule's implementation date is September 18.

Federal law already requires those seeking permanent residency to show they will not become a public charge. However, the Trump administration's rule broadens the scope of benefit programs that could lead to disqualification. Immigrant rights advocates have criticized the policy as a "wealth test," while public health experts have warned of negative health outcomes.