Trump could reinstate the public charge rule to limit support for immigrants

• Public Charge Rule: Potential Restrictions Under Trump
• Biden’s Changes: Exemptions and Flexible Evaluation
• Protected Immigrants: Asylees and Refugees

Although the Biden Administration revised the rules regarding public charge determinations, President-elect Donald Trump could reverse these changes.

Stuart Anderson, director of the National Foundation for American Policy, warned of possible policy shifts similar to those seen during Trump’s first term.

“In Trump’s first administration, legal immigration was restricted in several ways,” Anderson explained in a virtual conference.

These measures included historic reductions in refugee admissions and a travel ban targeting Muslim-majority countries.

Impact of the Public Charge Rule During Trump’s Presidency

During Trump’s presidency, the public charge rule sought to penalize immigrants who received public assistance, whether in cash or in-kind benefits.

The rule also considered factors such as age, financial status, and professional skills when granting a Green Card.

Trump additionally attempted to limit benefits for children from mixed-status families, according to a report by the Immigration Hub.

In 2019, the rule had a “chilling effect,” discouraging immigrant families from accessing healthcare, food, and housing support.

Under Trump’s rule, receiving public assistance for 12 months within a three-year period was deemed a burden on the government.

The Biden Administration blocked these provisions and redesigned the rule in 2023.

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Under Biden’s version, officials still evaluate factors like age, health, finances, and sponsorship, but with less restrictive guidelines.

Only consistent receipt of cash assistance could have negative consequences for immigrants.

The current rule also exempts 24 categories of immigrants, including asylees, refugees, and special immigrant juveniles.

These changes benefit certain immigrants but could be at risk if Trump resumes the presidency.

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