The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on August 14th officially released the final “Public Charge” rule to the Federal Register for public inspection! This version of the “Public Charge” rule will take effect in 60 days from its release date. The rule will decrease the number of immigrants eligible for green cards and admission to the United States because of income and for certain use of public benefits. Ken Cuccinelli, Acting Director of USCIS stated, “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge,”
Below is part of the *USCIS News Release:
*This final rule amends DHS regulations by prescribing how DHS will determine whether an alien is inadmissible to the United States based on his or her likelihood of becoming a public charge at any time in the future, as set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act. The final rule addresses U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authority to permit an alien to submit a public charge bond in the context of adjustment of status applications. The rule also makes nonimmigrant aliens who have received certain public benefits above a specific threshold generally ineligible for extension of stay and change of status.