Input needed: New “Public Charge” Rule – State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Benefits Granting Agencies and Nonprofit Organizations Only

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rescinded the “public charge” rule implemented in 2019. This means that receiving or applying for most Medicaid benefits, public housing, or nutrition assistance are no longer grounds for denying an individual seeking a visa to come to the United States or to become a lawful permanent resident.

DHS is now looking for public input to inform development of a new “public charge” rule. The new rule could bring significant changes to the way immigration decisions are made for many older adults and people with disabilities. The input of both the aging and disability networks and older adults and people with disabilities themselves is crucial, and now — early in the rulemaking process – is a critical time to weigh in. Asking for broad input from the public is a crucial step in making sure that DHS develops public charge regulations that avoid undue fear in the immigrant community and eliminate confusion among immigrant-serving organizations, benefit-granting agencies and the public.

You can submit comments via regulations.gov (due October 22, 2021).

In addition, DHS will hold two listening sessions to gather input.

Register here to participate: