DHS/USCIS Rescinds 2022 Biden Era Public Charge Regulation

[RAMROD 117,368]

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule rescinding the 2022 Biden-era regulation regarding public charge determinations, further aligning immigration law with Congressional intent that aliens in the United States be self-reliant and not dependent on taxpayer-funded government benefits. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), an individual applying for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status is inadmissible to the United States if deemed likely at any time to become a public charge. 

The now-rescinded Biden-era regulation restricted which public benefits DHS could consider, limiting officers’ ability to review all relevant factors as intended by Congress. With this final rule, USCIS officers are empowered to assess all pertinent facts on a case-by-case basis for each applicant. 

“The Trump administration is upholding the rule of law and protecting American taxpayers from subsidizing aliens who may become dependent on public benefits. USCIS is committed to safeguarding the safety, security, and financial well-being of Americans,” said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services spokesperson Zach Kahler.  

The rule will take effect on Sept. 18, 2026. USCIS will publish a revised Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status. Older versions of Form I-485 postmarked or submitted electronically on or after the effective date will not be accepted

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-rescinds-2022-public-charge-regulation

[Flippy 14,451]

 This kind of stuff is so stressful to me. I hate this so much.

[Nemo 4,411]

Right-wing paranoid fantasy. There aren't even any benefits to take advantage of, to speak of. Nobody comes to the U.S. for that, they come for the "land of opportunity", such as it is.

Edited July 17 by Nemo

[AsleepOnTheCeiling 6,980]

Instead of just closing so-called "loopholes" that give non-citizens access to SNAP/etc. for undue reasons, we're just going to create a very wide jurisdiction for Immigration to discriminate against people. Makes sense. 

 

When I was in college, I worked full time and studied full time. I was an independent in the tax system but per college financial aid policies I was a dependent and they deemed that my parents earned too much for any sort of aid outside of loans. I had a hard time paying my bills and I wasn't just uncomfortable asking family for money, they also could not afford to support me despite what the federal government claimed. I considered seeking public assistance programs but quickly found out it could affect the status of some family members' naturalization process. I'm a dual citizen but some of my family didn't have citizenship. So despite me having a need for assistance both for education and to simply keep myself alive, the system directly and indirectly kept me from seeking or obtaining the needed aid. I hate this society.