A new public charge rule will assess immigrants' reliance on government aid. Immigration officers will gain broader discretion in evaluating applicants' circumstances. This regulation replaces the Biden-era framework with a case-by-case approach. The rule primarily affects family and employment-based green card applicants. It is scheduled to take effect on September 18, 2026.

Immigration officers could weigh use of Medicaid, food aid and housing help in green card decisions after Trump administration rescinds Biden-era public charge rule.

The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits that could include food stamps, Medicaid, housing vouchers and others.