U.S. Public Charge Rule: What Does It Mean For Green Card Applicants?

United States immigration authorities have been finding new ways to torment Indian and also the international population in the country and they have come up with something new again.

The proposed changes to the US public charge rule are raising serious concerns among immigrants, especially H1B visa holders waiting for green cards.

Lawmakers warn that tightening this rule could create fear and confusion for legal immigrants who rely on permitted public benefits while building their lives in America.

Under the public charge concept, immigration officials assess whether an applicant is likely to depend on government assistance in the future. Any expansion or vague interpretation of this rule could negatively affect green card applications.

More than a hundred members of Congress have urged the Department of Homeland Security to retain the existing 2022 guidelines, arguing that they are clear and fair.

They believe new changes would give immigration officers excessive discretion, leading to inconsistent decisions. This uncertainty may discourage immigrants from accessing healthcare or other essential services even when they are legally eligible, simply out of fear that it could harm their immigration prospects.

Indian professionals on H1B visas are among the most affected, as they often face long green card backlogs. Many of them contribute significantly to the US economy and pay taxes for years while waiting for permanent residency.

Lawmakers stress that creating additional hurdles through an expanded public charge rule would undermine trust in the legal immigration system and unfairly penalize hardworking, skilled immigrants who follow the rules and contribute to the country’s growth.