Effective from 24th February, the USCIS has announced a new Public Charge Rule. The new rule comes on the heels of the US Supreme Court lifting the injunction.
Legal immigrants, those who are already living in the US and those who are applying for entry, would be affected by the new rule. Illegal immigrants, those who are not eligible for benefits in the US, would also be impacted.
The new Public Charge Rule is expected to have a major impact on the low-income group of immigrants. However, it is also expected to hit high-income groups, especially the aged or those who are ill, pregnant or have a temporary disability. It will also affect immigrants who have accessed benefits like medicine subsidies, housing assistance or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
As per the USCIS:
- The new rule will apply to all petitions and applications submitted on or after 24th February 2020. For applications that have been sent by courier, the date on the courier receipt will be considered.
- New forms that include the new Public Charge would be issued from 3rd February onwards
- Old forms would not be accepted after 24th Those who submit would be asked to submit new forms.
- The new rule is not applicable to benefits that have been received before 24th February 2020
- Illinois still has an injunction in place. Hence, the rule will not be applicable there.
The USCIS will issue guidelines on the implementation of the new Public Charge Rule in the week starting 3rd February 2020.
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