The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who utilize public benefits, including food stamps, Medicaid, and housing vouchers. The policy, known as “public charge,” was formally published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2026, and is set to take effect on September 18.
This policy was initially implemented in February 2020 as part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to restrict legal immigration. Following President Joe Biden's inauguration, the rule was reversed.
Under the revived policy, applicants for green cards will be required to demonstrate that they will not become a burden to the country or a “public charge.” This requirement aims to ensure immigrants can support themselves, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The agency stated in a post on X that the move reaffirms the principle of self-reliance and protects public resources by ending policies that it claims encouraged dependency.
Federal law already mandates that individuals seeking permanent residency or legal status prove they will not become a public charge. However, the Trump administration’s rule expands the scope of public programs that could lead to disqualification.
Immigrant rights advocates previously criticized the rule, introduced in 2018, as a de facto “wealth test.” Public health experts raised concerns that it could lead to negative health outcomes for immigrants and their U.S.-born children, as many might forgo benefits to which they are entitled due to fear and confusion, according to nongovernmental organizations. The administration, however, maintains the policy encourages self-sufficiency among immigrants.
This policy shift occurs amid a broader effort by the administration to curb both illegal and legal immigration. The administration has also focused on increased deportations and immigration enforcement at borders and entry points, alongside actions targeting legal immigrants and mixed-status families. The revival of the public charge rule coincides with rising costs for healthcare and food.