Trump administration revives 'public charge' rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits

The Trump administration revived the 'public charge' rule, which appeared in the Federal Register on July 16, 2026, with formal publication set for July 20 and an effective date of September 18. The rule allows immigration officers to deny green cards to applicants deemed likely to become a 'public charge' based on their use of benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, or housing vouchers. Originally implemented in February 2020 and reversed under President Biden, the rule's return is part of a broader crackdown on legal immigration. An estimated 3.8 million immigrants and their U.S.-citizen family members could be affected. Critics say it amounts to a wealth test and will deter millions from accessing essential services, while the administration frames it as restoring self-sufficiency requirements.

“Under President Trump, USCIS is restoring the basic principle that immigrants must be able to support themselves.” — USCIS statement accompanying the Federal Register publication of the revived public charge rule Quote verified against source