One of the most troublesome grounds of inadmissibility, creating a bar to immigrant and in some cases temporary visa holders entering the United States, is that known as "public charge." It basically means someone whose financial situation is on the margin, such that the person has had to, or might one day have to, rely on some form of government assistance. A similar problem is created for some people already in the U.S., who can become deportable for having become public charges. Learn more about dealing with and hopefully overcoming the public charge grounds of inadmissibility and deportability here.
Will Collecting Unemployment During Coronavirus Outbreak Make Me a Public Charge?
Claiming unemployment insurance coverage is permissible, but receiving other benefits could lead to problems with gaining U.S. approval of future visas or green cards as a potential "public charge."
Which Public Benefit Programs Can Make Immigrant Inadmissible
Worried about your eligibility to become a U.S. legal permanent resident because you have received government benefits in the U.S., perhaps while briefly out of work? Learn more here.
October 10, 2018 People who already have a green card are far less likely to be affected by the new "public charge" policy than those are are seeking a visa or green card.
Who May Be Found Inadmissible and Denied a Green Card for Income Reasons, as a Likely Public Charge
One of the most common barriers to getting a green card is what's called "inadmissibility," and public charge is one of the grounds for this.
If You've Received Public Benefits, Leaving U.S. Risks Being Refused Reentry
Though green card holders are eligible for some public benefits, that doesn’t make receiving them risk-free.