Federal officials will consider an immigrant’s reliance on government assistance programs when determining whether to issue permanent residency—also known as a green card—beginning on Sept. 18.
Under the new rule, immigrants can be considered a public charge if they receive one or more means-tested public benefits, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance.
That can disqualify an immigrant for permanent residency. However, that’s not an automatic outcome. The receipt of public benefits is just “one consideration in the totality of the circumstances,” according to the rule.
Other pertinent facts include income, assets, skills, health, and broader benefits….