Understanding the Impact of New US Green Card Support Rule

The Trump administration is pushing forward with changes to the U.S. immigration policy that may make it harder for lawful immigrants to receive green cards. A newly proposed update to the “Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility” rule would allow immigration officers more discretion to deny green cards if they believe an immigrant might rely on public assistance in the future.

This rule builds on earlier regulations implemented in December 2022. It expands what is considered a “public charge” by not just looking at current use of government support, but also potential future reliance. Officers may now evaluate a broader range of factors, including age, health, income, education, and even family health history or receipt of benefits such as housing or nutrition assistance.

The proposal lowers the threshold—officials can now assess whether an applicant simply needs public support to meet basic needs, rather than being primarily dependent. This gives officials wider discretion to determine if someone may become a public charge based on their personal circumstances.

While this rule targets immigrants applying for green cards or legal permanent residency, it does not directly affect current green-card holders or those renewing their status. However, it may impact their ability to sponsor relatives or re-enter the U.S. if questions arise about financial stability or prior benefit use.

The rule will be published in the Federal Register and open for public comment for 30 days, starting November 19, 2025.

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