Public Charge 101

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Public Charge 101

August 2019

Pursuant to Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), any individual seeking admission to the United States, or applying for green card, is ineligible if he/she is likely to become a “public charge.”
What is a “public charge”?

A “public charge” is an individual who is likely to become dependent on government benefits for his/her survival.

Section 212(a)(4) does not precisely define “public charge,” but requires, as part of the public charge inadmissibility determination, consideration of the alien’s: (1) Age; (2) Health; (3) Family Status; (4) Assets, Resources, and Financial Status; and (5) Education and Skills.

https://www.fairus.org/issue/societal-impact/public-charge-101