Trump Admin Revives Rule That Could Deny Green Cards to Immigrants Who Use Medicaid
— "Public charge" policy was first implemented in 2020 but reversed during the Biden administration
by Associated Press
July 17, 2026 • 4 min read
The Trump administration is reviving a rule that could deny green cards to immigrants who use public benefits that could include food stamps, Medicaid, housing vouchers, and others.
The policy, known as "public charge," appeared on Thursday in the Federal Register. It will be formally published on July 20 and take effect Sept. 18. Under the policy, applicants for green cards have to show they wouldn't be burdens to the country or "public charges."
The policy was first implemented in February 2020 as one of President Donald Trump's moves to limit legal immigration during his first administration, but it was reversed after Democratic President Joe Biden came to power.
https://www.medpagetoday.com/publichealthpolicy/medicaid/122239