US government has revised the ‘public charge’ rule for immigration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalised a new regulation that revises the public charge policy, making certain immigrants inadmissible to the United States if deemed likely to become primary dependent to public assistance. The rule rescinds the 2022 regulation that had narrowed how immigration officers could assess visa applicants, restoring broader discretion to consider a wider range of factors. In a post on X, USCIS explained: “This final rule is intended to help ensure that those seeking permanent residence are able to support themselves and are not likely to become primarily dependent on public assistance. USCIS is committed to applying the law as enacted by Congress, providing clear guidance, and ensuring consistent, fair adjudications.”
What the new rule means for applicants
Under the new rule, individuals applying for a visa, admission or adjustment of status may be denied if immigration officer determine that they are likely to rely on benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing vouchers. USCIS said the change ensures applicants can support themselves and are not likely to become dependent on government aid. “The now-rescinded Biden-era regulation restricted which public benefits DHS could consider, limiting officers’ ability to review all relevant factors as intended by Congress. With this final rule, USCIS officers are empowered to assess all pertinent facts on a case-by-case basis for each applicant,” said USCIS in a release.The now-rescinded Biden-era regulation restricted which public benefits DHS could consider, limiting officers’ ability to review all relevant factors as intended by Congress. With this final rule, USCIS officers are empowered to assess all pertinent facts on a case-by-case basis for each applicant.
Implementation timeline
The new policy will take effect on September 18, 2026. USCIS will publish a revised Form I‑485, and older versions of the form will no longer be accepted after that date.
New USCIS rules for H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently enforced new rules on how applicants sign immigration benefit requests including H‑1B visa petitions and Green Card applications. The recently updated policy clarifies that only handwritten or properly reproduced signatures will be accepted. Any filing with copy-pasted, auto-generated, or unauthorised signatures will be rejected or denied, event if it initially passes the intake review.“In order to maintain the integrity of the immigration benefit system and validate the identity of benefit requestors, USCIS rejects any benefit request with an improper signature and returns it to the requestor. USCIS does not provide an opportunity to correct (or cure) a deficient signature. The benefit requestor, however, may resubmit the benefit request with a valid signature. As long as all other filing requirements are met, including payment of the required fee, USCIS may accept the resubmitted benefit request,” said the immigration authority in a statement.
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