Use of public benefits by permanent residents

[Bjh 39]

Hey,

 

I recall when Trump was elected/sworn in, there were a lot of requirements for new immigrants applying for a green card to list if they'd ever used any United States public benefits. They also had to report a credit score, any degrees they'd earned, classes they'd taken, etc.

 

I think it's been done away with, but with a Trump victory in 2024 well within the realm of possibility, what exactly are the restrictions on permanent residents receiving government aid, if any, as far as the USCIS and Department of State go?

 

Thank you!

[Rocio0010 5,579]

Elections are 8 months away, so not sure why you think that it plays a role now. There hasn't been an Executive order that changes things as of now.

"Government aid" is a very broad term. Knowing the exact name of the benefit and the State you're in would probably bring more specific answers.

[Dashinka 24,480]

Generally, the interpretation of the "public charge" rule pertained to an immigrant receiving cash welfare assistance.  I am not really sure how it was changed, but I believe it essentially reverted to the earlier interpretation.  

[Bjh 39]

5 hours ago, Dashinka said:

Generally, the interpretation of the "public charge" rule pertained to an immigrant receiving cash welfare assistance.  I am not really sure how it was changed, but I believe it essentially reverted to the earlier interpretation.  

Yes, exactly that. I'm a bit of a noob, could you fill me in on what the earlier interpretation was?

[Dashinka 24,480]

3 hours ago, Bjh said:

Yes, exactly that. I'm a bit of a noob, could you fill me in on what the earlier interpretation was?

This gives a fairly good explanation without needing to unwind the changes under Trump, and the reversals under Biden.  The earlier interpretation was related to cash welfare benefits, and Trump tried to include more public assistance programs under the umbrella of public charge, but Biden reverse that and it is back to cash welfare benefits to the best of my knowledge.

 

https://citylimits.org/2020/02/27/trump-administrations-public-charge-rule-explained/