On March 9, the federal government dropped the Trump Administration lawsuits defending the 2019 changes to the long-standing “public charge” test. The public charge inadmissibility test can be used to identify immigration applicants who might come to rely on the government as their main source of support and can be used to deny their application for admission to the US, permanent resident status, and housing or financial assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Under the Trump Administration, further restrictions were placed to make it harder for people with a low or moderate income to immigrate to the US.
Repealing the harsher restrictions and going back to the public charge guidance established in 1999 is an important step toward ensuring equity for all who seek to make the United States their home and make it easier for immigrant families to access much-needed assistance.
In a statement on the Department of Homeland Security website, Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, “The 2019 public charge rule was not in keeping with our nation’s values. It penalized those who access health benefits and other government services available to them. Consistent with the President’s [Biden’s] vision, we will continue to implement reforms that improve our legal immigration system.”
Visit the Protecting Immigrant Families website for more information about some of the federal public programs available to support individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.