Trump administration revives public‑charge rule that could block green cards

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on July 16 that it is reinstating the “public‑charge” rule, which allows immigration officers to consider an applicant’s use of means‑tested benefits—such as food stamps, Medicaid and housing assistance—when deciding eligibility for a green card. The rule, first adopted in February 2020 and reversed in 2022, will be published in the Federal Register on July 20 and is slated to take effect on September 18, 2026. Officials said the change is meant to ensure that permanent‑resident applicants are “self‑reliant” and do not become a burden on public resources.

The policy is expected to affect hundreds of thousands of green‑card seekers each year and could deter roughly 950,000 people in immigrant households from enrolling in benefits out of fear that the aid will jeopardize their immigration status. Immigration‑rights groups, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, warned that the rule expands discretion, creates uncertainty and may harm public health and economic stability.

In parallel, the State Department is exploring a separate proposal that would require certain visa or green‑card applicants to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000 to demonstrate financial self‑sufficiency. The bond concept, cited by the Wall Street Journal, would apply primarily to applicants deemed likely to become a public charge.

The revived rule and bond proposal come as the Trump administration pursues a broader hard‑line immigration agenda, including tighter enforcement and increased scrutiny of legal immigration pathways.