Public Charge Changes Revisit

Public Charge Changes Revisit

By: Jorrel Sampana, MHLA

Public Charge Changes Revisit

Public Charge Changes Revisit 1024 683 My Health LA

MHLA would like to remind our partners and participants that the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility went into effect on December 23, 2022. The final public charge rule places limitations on the application of public charge and removes barriers to accessing public benefits for most immigrants. Healthcare, food, and many other public benefits are NOT considered for purposes of public charge.

The California Health and Human Services Agency clarifies in their Public Charge Guide:

The final public charge rule limits the types of public benefits considered, easing the barriers for lower-income immigrants to obtain green cards. must consider other factors such as education, income, and an affidavit of support or posting a bond with the federal government. Therefore, an immigrant’s use of long-term institutional care at government expense or cash assistance for income maintenance will not automatically result in a determination that the applicant is likely to become a public charge.

Additional information and updates are available through the LA County Office of Immigration Affairs page on public charge.