On August
14, 2019 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a
new “public charge” rule; this rule will go into effect on October 15,
2019. Under a longstanding law and policy, if immigration authorities
determine someone is “likely to become a public charge” the US can deny the
applicant’s green card or other visa to the US. A public charge is
someone who is dependent on the government, through benefits programs.
The Trump Administration’s new rule changes the standard by the DHS determines
whether a foreign national is likely to become a public charge.
Public benefits
under the new rule include:
- Any
federal, state, or local cash assistance, including:
- Social
Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary
Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Government
programs for income maintenance often called “general assistance”
- Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) also known as food stamps
- Section
8 Housing Assistance
- Medicaid,
with certain exceptions
- Public Housing under Section
The
immigration officer will take into account a broad range of factors and
consider all of the following when making a determination if the foreign
national visa applicant is likely to become a pubic charge:
This rule will apply to all applicants for any type of visa, though it is expected that the immigration officers will look most closely at those applying for a green card. Employment-based visa applicants should be treated favorably because, by virtue of their employer-sponsor, they have guaranteed employment and income in the United States. However, policy experts forecast that this rule will likely be applied inconsistently and cause fewer legal immigrants to enter the United States.
- Receipt of a public benefit for more than 12 months in the aggregate within a 36 month period
- Age
- Health
- Family status
- Education and skills
- Assets, resources, and financial status
This rule will apply to all applicants for any type of visa, though it is expected that the immigration officers will look most closely at those applying for a green card. Employment-based visa applicants should be treated favorably because, by virtue of their employer-sponsor, they have guaranteed employment and income in the United States. However, policy experts forecast that this rule will likely be applied inconsistently and cause fewer legal immigrants to enter the United States.
I currently have a complicated enquiry. I am a foreigner working in "X" but unfortunately acquired HIV, where a foreigner would then be deemed a prohibited immigrant if tested positive in "X". I've been on medication discreetly since August 2018 and had been undetectable since Feb 2019. My case manager advised me to continue with the medical exam and interview in "X" because changing my interview location would cause further delay. My question is, would i be allowed to not disclose my status to the physician here but thereafter continue my treatment and referral back in the US once i get my green card?
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. This is a complicated case. I recommend that you engage a lawyer to talk you through the options. Good luck with your case and with your health.
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