U.S. Overhauls Green Card Rules With Stricter Public Charge Assessments

U.S. immigration authorities are set to implement stricter public charge assessments for certain green card applicants beginning September 18, 2026. The updated guidelines from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services change how immigration officers evaluate whether individuals applying for lawful permanent residence are likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance.

Under the new policy, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis by reviewing the totality of an applicant’s circumstances across five statutory areas: age, health, family status, financial resources and assets, and education and skills.

While past assessments primarily focused on cash assistance for income maintenance and long-term institutionalization, the updated framework will factor in a broader range of means-tested public benefits for assistance received on or after the effective date.

The policy follows a Department of Homeland Security final rule that rescinds the 2022 regulation, aligning with the intent that immigrants remain self-sufficient. Exemptions remain in place for specific groups, including refugees, asylees, and certain human trafficking survivors.

Additionally, officials retain the option to invite applicants deemed inadmissible solely on public charge grounds to post a financial bond calculated around potential government assistance over a five-year period. The new framework applies to adjustment of status applications postmarked or electronically submitted on or after September 18, 2026.