‼️Starting September 18, 2026, it will become more difficult to get a U.S. green card if you have received government public benefits.
⚠️The U.S. is bringing back a stricter interpretation of the “public charge” rule. The government’s position is that immigrants should be financially self-sufficient and not rely on public assistance.
❗️As a result, receiving public benefits could now become a major obstacle to getting a green card and, in some cases, even a U.S. visa.
⚠️The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has rescinded the 2022 policy that limited which public benefits could be considered when reviewing immigration applications.
‼️Going forward, USCIS officers will evaluate each case individually and may consider any government benefits an applicant has already received or was eligible to receive. If USCIS determines that someone is likely to become a “public charge,” their green card application or adjustment of status may be denied.
✔️One important question remains unanswered: USCIS has not yet explained how these new rules will apply to participants in humanitarian programs, including Uniting for Ukraine (U4U).
✅A new Form I-485 will also go into effect on September 18. After that date, USCIS will no longer accept the previous version of the form, whether it’s filed by mail or online.
✔️If you’ve received public benefits, you are currently in the U.S. under a humanitarian program, or are planning to apply for a green card, now is the time to evaluate your potential risks. Every case is different, and what may not be an issue for one applicant could affect USCIS’s decision in another.
✔️Schedule a consultation to find out how these new rules could affect your specific case and to prepare your application with these changes in mind before they take effect.
Immigration Attorney Irina Lust
✉️ info@myimmigrationlawyerusa.com
📱 +1 (203) 451-3240 WhatsApp (text only!)
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