Definition of a Public Charge

[Know_Ledge 6]

Hello All,

I always wondered what USCIS meant when they said "public charge", now I know. I'm just posting this here because I know it will be helpful to some.

Mods, please move this topic if I posted in the wrong forum. Thank You

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=775d23cbea6bf210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

[Chris921 13]

Anyone who has to use federally funded, means based benefits (like food stamps and stuff like that i believe)

[Tim/Mav 305]

Hello All,

I always wondered what USCIS meant when they said "public charge", now I know. I'm just posting this here because I know it will be helpful to some.

Mods, please move this topic if I posted in the wrong forum. Thank You

http://www.uscis.gov...0004718190aRCRD

OK.. Wow! Your Timeline indicates you been through hell and back and wish to inform other Members you just found out what a Public Charge "Could Be". YOU JUST FOUND OUT ?

Oh Please. There are many Members who barely or don't qualify for income requirements and you might have Pissed on their Cheerios here. Some members struggle for a Co-Sponsor.

Theres nothing wrong with your Post. Just might appear insensitive to some. I would imagine Petitioners know what a Public Charge is and their Obligations in case of Failure. But, not always the case. Therefore, your post is Relevant and may be helpful to some.

I have seen in the past where EVERYTHING went to hell and the Petitioner/Co-Sponsor "maybe Liable". Your link is good for new people trying to understand A to Z.

[Know_Ledge 6]

Anyone who has to use federally funded, means based benefits (like food stamps and stuff like that i believe)

Thank you Chris921, I should have stated in my first post that I included a link that defines a public charge, my bad It was quite informative

Here's the link:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=775d23cbea6bf210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=8a2f6d26d17df110VgnVCM1000004718190aRCRD

[Know_Ledge 6]

OK.. Wow! Your Timeline indicates you been through hell and back and wish to inform other Members you just found out what a Public Charge "Could Be". YOU JUST FOUND OUT ?

Oh Please. There are many Members who barely or don't qualify for income requirements and you might have Pissed on their Cheerios here. Some members struggle for a Co-Sponsor.

Theres nothing wrong with your Post. Just might appear insensitive to some. I would imagine Petitioners know what a Public Charge is and their Obligations in case of Failure. But, not always the case. Therefore, your post is Relevant and may be helpful to some.

I have seen in the past where EVERYTHING went to hell and the Petitioner/Co-Sponsor "maybe Liable". Your link is good for new people trying to understand A to Z.

No I didn't just find out, the definition was just more detailed and it was not my intention to offend anybody. Like you said, the link will be good for new people, that's the reason I posted it.

[NUSHka 0]

Anyone who has to use federally funded, means based benefits (like food stamps and stuff like that i believe)

Food stamps is not considered a public charge.cash assistance and housing assistance are though.

[CeeGee 0]

Hello all, New here - this thread is closely related to my predicament. Please forgive my lack of

Due Dilligence and searching the site. This thread came up on a Google and looks very close to my

situation, but from the Sitizen's POV.

I will do my due dilligence asap.

I have read almost all fed, state, and USCIS references about Public Charge. As the husband of a

wife as PR in the US with GC on a K1 visa, the I-864 comes into play for me.

When we began the process things were rosey. Long story short, things have flushed down the toilet

over the last 4 years

What I cannot find ANYWHERE is the following:

If I sign up for General Assistance or other service that would constitute Public Charge,

does that mean my wife is considered a recipient too? ... thus she becomes a Public Charge?

Does marriage automatically insinuate "WE" in applying for/receiving assistance that would

constitute Public Charge?

This topic seems to be avoided in all readmes, legal docs, and anywhere I look.

TYVM and

Best regards,

ceegee

[ceadsearc 516]

If you are a USC you are eligible. Your wife will be counted in your household size but not granted benefits (make sure you are honest about her status so she isn't granted anything!) So if you receive food stamps, they will be food stamps for one person, etc.

[CeeGee 0]

TY ceadsearc ,

That's exactly what I want to do. In no way to I want to endanger myself or my co-sponsor due to my downturn. It stinks being in the position you see on the news every night - lost everything, downsized out of everything, bankrupt, tried self employment, bad timing - wrong place wrong time wrong service.

When my wife and I were going through the immigration process I was dong famously and its like someone turned the lightswitch off. Am seeking a new career now (for the 3rd time I was downsized and outsourced out of career.)

Yaaay Maquila De Oro, outsourced InfoSec, and Middle Eastern Tech Support. U Rah Rah

[JeWcHee 3]

Does Med-cal or prenatal care considered to be a phbluc charge? My wife was rushed to the emergency and found out that shes pregnant, we applied for medcal, is this ground for public charge?

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Does Med-cal or prenatal care considered to be a phbluc charge? My wife was rushed to the emergency and found out that shes pregnant, we applied for medcal, is this ground for public charge?

First, stop stressing over what is or is not considered a "public charge". An immigrant isn't considered a public charge unless they are primarily dependent on means-tested public benefits for long term support (in a nutshell). Unless the immigrant is permanently disabled or will require institutional care then it's unlikely they would ever be considered a public charge. In fact, if they WERE deemed to be a public charge then they would be deportable.

However, an immigrant does not have to be considered a public charge in order for the affidavit of support to kick in. Collecting any means-tested public benefits while an affidavit of support is enforceable can result in the sponsor being held liable for reimbursing the government for those benefits. Medi-Cal IS a means-tested public benefit, and the sponsor can be held responsible for paying the government back for those benefits.