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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Thursday issued its final order rescinding the Trump-era “public charge” rule that limited the benefits for immigrants who obtained public assistance benefits like Medicaid and food stamps.
The Biden administration reportedly stopped enforcing the rule within months after President Joe Biden took office.
“This action ensures fair and humane treatment of legal immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members,” said DHS Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Consistent with America’s bedrock values, we will not penalize individuals for choosing to access the health benefits and other supplemental government services available to them.”
The new rule is slated to go into effect on Dec. 23.
“Public charge” rules have been a concept in immigration law for decades, referring to someone who is considered likely to rely on welfare programs as a condition to deny someone permanent residency.
Under the Biden administration’s rule, green card applicants are only considered a public charge if “they are likely at any time to become primarily dependent on the government” for assistance.
