TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Sep 9, 2022

The Biden administration recently released its finalized immigration policy on the so-called “public charge” criteria for green card applicants, part of a year-long legal battle to undo efforts of the prior administration that limit eligibility for permanent residency. Under the new 455-page rule, set to take effect Dec. 23, green card applicants will not be penalized for use of non-cash public assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid or housing benefits. Instead, immigration officers will look at “the receipt of public cash assistance for income maintenance or long-term institutionalization at government expense” to evaluate if any individual is likely to become a “public charge,” who would then be ineligible to become a permanent resident. Roll Call looks at the new policy.