New Green Card Rules: What the new public charge rule means

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - A change to the green card process is taking effect September 18, changing how U.S. immigration officials evaluate some applicants.

The change involves the federal government’s “public charge” rule.

In simple terms, the rule looks at whether someone applying for permanent residency could become primarily dependent on government assistance.

Under the rules that have been in place, USCIS generally considered a more limited number of public benefits when making that determination.

Starting September 18, USCIS will have more discretion to consider means-tested public benefits, including benefits such as housing assistance, food stamps and certain financial aid.

USCIS says receiving a single benefit does not automatically mean someone will be denied a green card.

Instead, officers will review each case individually and consider the person’s overall circumstances. That can include factors such as age, health, family situation, financial resources, education and skills.

The change does not mean people who already have green cards will automatically lose their status.

Lawful permanent residents who are simply renewing their green cards are generally not subject to a public-charge review.

News Channel 3 is taking a closer look at what the change means for immigrant families — including who could be affected, what USCIS says about the new rule and what immigration attorneys are telling people to consider before applying.

Watch the full special report Thursday at 6 p.m on News Channel 3.