New U.S. Green Card Rule Expands Scrutiny of Public Benefits and Finances for Applicants
Effective September 18, new immigration guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will broaden the scrutiny of finances and public benefit usage for individuals seeking U.S. green cards. This change means that USCIS officers may now consider a wider range of means-tested benefits, including housing assistance, food stamps, and college financial aid, when determining if an applicant is likely to become a 'public charge.' This guidance follows the Department of Homeland Security's decision to rescind the 2022 Biden-era public charge regulations. The new rule will apply to Form I-485 applications for permanent residence or adjustment of status that are submitted on or after September 18. Applications filed between December 23, 2022, and September 17, 2026, will continue to be processed under the previous 2022 regulations. The change is expected to impact thousands of immigrants, particularly those from India, who accounted for 4.9 percent of the 1.36 million people granted lawful permane... 
