“Public charge” is a ground of inadmissibility. In deciding whether to grant some applicants a green card or a visa, an immigration officer must decide whether that person is likely to become dependent on certain government benefits in the future, which would make them a “public charge.” These are considered grounds of inadmissibility, or reasons that a person could be denied a green card, visa or admission into the United States. It is not a test that applies to everyone, not even to all those applying for green cards. Visit the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) for training and technical assistance on public charge. Advisories, toolkits, and other resources are also available on their website.

The United States Citizenship and Immigration administration (USCIS) stopped applying the Public Charge Final Rule to all pending applications and petitions on March 9, 2021. Visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration site to learn more about the current green card processes and procedures surrounding public charge.

The Immigrant Neighbor Fund, led by Voto Latino Foundation in partnership with Mission Asset Fund and APIA Vote, is an effort to show solidarity between these two communities in times of crisis and help provide needed relief. For more information on immigration legal help visit the Immigration Neighbor Fund site.

If you or a family member has been detained or is facing deportation, you may be feeling frightened or overwhelmed. It is important to know that you are not alone and that resources are available to support you. Visit Informed Immigrant for an overview of what to expect if someone is detained or is experiencing a potential deportation, how to locate a loved one if they have been picked up or transferred to ICE and other resources you may need.

Immigrant families at risk face a series of challenges and difficult decisions in preparing for the possibility of being separated from one another. Planning to ensure children (as well as other dependents) and financial assets are taken care of is crucial and preparation can be complex. Visit Clinic Legal for more information on each state’s laws, legal forms and processes.