The Supreme Court has decided to allow the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) new “public charge” rule to take effect while litigation is ongoing. In a public charge determination, if DHS determines that an immigrant is “likely at any time to become a public charge” in the future, the department can deny them admission to the U.S. or lawful permanent residence (or “green card” status). DHS’s new rule adds additional programs to the list of public benefits that can be considered in making a public charge determination.
Under the new rule, public benefits on this list now include:
Many assistance programs are not included on DHS’s list, such as disaster relief; school breakfast and lunch; Women, Infants and Children (WIC); emergency medical assistance; AIDS Drug Assistance Program; and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP).
Additionally, in regard to the new rule:
The biggest threat from this new rule, however, is that unaffected families will be afraid to apply for free assistance they desperately need for themselves and their children.
There are low-cost and free immigration attorneys available in Florida to assist people who are in need of legal help to determine if they will be affected by this new rule.