Public Charge and Immigration

Font Size: + -

Print

On September 8, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a new Final Rule on Public Charge, to become effective December 23, 2022. It formally reverses the prior Administration's rule and restores the decades-long, historical understanding of a "public charge." This means that supplemental health benefits such as Medicaid (Medi-Cal) and nutritional assistance such as SNAP (CalFresh) for which immigrants may qualify will not be considered as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination. The new rule also clarifies that DHS will not consider in public charge determinations benefits received by family members other than the applicant.

Public charge does not apply to all immigrants or all benefit programs. Each situation is different and there are many benefits not considered in the public charge assessment. Available to you are community agencies and resources that can provide information and advice specific to you and your family situation. Click on the tabs below for the latest updates regarding public charge.

We advise anyone concerned about their immigration circumstance to review the rule and to talk to a legal expert. CCHS and its employees cannot offer legal advice.

What is Public Charge

Public charge is a term used in immigration law to refer to a person who is primarily dependent on the government for support. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) applies a public charge test when (1) a person applies to enter the U.S. or (2) when a person applies to adjust immigration status to become a lawful permanent resident (to get a green card).

Each situation is different, and the public charge test does not apply to all immigrants. If you use one of these programs and believe the public charge rules may affect you, we strongly encourage you to seek advice from an attorney or immigration expert before dropping a benefit that you and your family need.

What public benefits are considered in a public charge test?

Cash assistance programs that provide on-going payments. Examples include "SSI," "TANF," and "General Assistance."
Long-term institutional care, like a nursing home, at government expense.

News & Information

Who is Not Affected

For those who need to take the public charge determination, the use of the following programs will not be considered during a public charge determination:

Medi-Cal Services
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program
Food and nutrition programs, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or "food stamps") or CalFresh are not considered.
Housing programs, such as public housing and section 8 are not considered.
Pandemic economic impact payments (stimulus checks)

Public Charge does not apply to:

Humanitarian immigrants such as refugees, asylees, domestic violence survivors, trafficking, and other serious crimes
Special immigrant juveniles
Certain individuals paroled into the U.S.
U.S. Citizenship applicants
Green card renewal
DACA, TPS or DED (initial applications and renewal)

Resources

Did you know that many immigrants are not subject to a public charge assessment? To learn about a specific situation, please visit Keep Your Benefits.

Legal Resources

For rapid response and immigration legal services in Contra Costa County dial 925-900-5151.

Free viewers are required for some of the attached documents.
They can be downloaded by clicking on the icons below.

Word Viewer