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.
The policy, known as “public charge,” appeared on Thursday (July 16, 2026) in the Federal Register and will be formally published on July 20.
The policy was first implemented in February 2020 as one of President Donald Trump’s moves to limit legal immigration during his first administration, but it was reversed after Democratic President Joe Biden came to power.
Its return comes when the Republican administration is implementing a hardline policy to curb both illegal and legal immigration, and when the cost of healthcare and food is rising.
The federal government “is reaffirming the requirement of self-reliance, protecting public resources and ending policies that encouraged dependency on the backs of hard-working American taxpayers,” U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a post published on its X account.
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…— USCIS (@USCIS) July 16, 2026
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…
“Under President Trump, USCIS is restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves,” the post said.
Under the policy, applicants for green cards have to show they wouldn’t be burdens to the country or “public charges.”
