Public Charge proposal

On 9/22/18, the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that proposes to expand the forms of public assistance counted when making a “public charge” determination (along with other changes). 

Currently, CalFresh (SNAP) and non-emergency MediCal (Medicaid) do not count toward Public Charge determination. Under the proposed rules, they would. 

If these proposed rules are adopted, we will no longer be able to offer assurance that seeking health and nutrition benefits will not harm a person's immigration case, such as applying for a green card. 

For now, this is only a proposal. To enact it, DHS would have to follow a process that could take several months. If it goes into effect, the rule will not be retroactive. We will keep tabs on the proposal and provide updates. 

• https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/22/us/politics/immigrants-green-card-public-aid.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes 
• https://www.npr.org/2018/09/22/650808003/trump-administration-will-seek-to-limit-green-cards-for-immigrants-needing-publi 
• https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/trump-admin-rule-would-deny-visas-green-cards-immigrants-who-n910791