Donald Trump’s public charge rule requires much more burdensome financial paperwork to be submitted for many immigrants.
Effective February 2020, President Donald Trump implemented a new rule that makes it much more difficult for immigrants with limited means and who have received public assistance to receive immigration benefits. This is known as the inadmissibility on public charge grounds rule.
The public charge rule means that immigration officials must consider whether the beneficiary has ever received public assistance before. Public assistance includes any time the government has given you aid directly, such as Medicaid, welfare, or other such government programs.
Many immigration forms now include questions related to public assistance. Ensure that you are using the newest immigration forms when applying.
Donald Trump’s public charge rule does not apply to certain kinds of immigrants, such VAWA self petitioners. There are other people that the rule doesn’t apply to, but check with an immigration attorney.
What New Paperwork is Required for Trump’s Public Charge Rule?
Not only that, but there is a new form for adjustment of status applicants, I-944, that requires you to disclose your income, assets, debts, education, and public benefits. This is in addition to the other forms required for adjustment of status.
The I-944 makes the adjustment of status process much more burdensome – you now must disclose a host of other documents, such as bank statements, credit score reports, statements for student loans and other debts, education certifications, and many other documents.
If you have received public assistance, you need to explain the circumstances and show that you can be self-sufficient. Donald Trump’s public charge rule makes an immigration attorney much more necessary.
If you need help with your application for adjustment of status or the new public charge rules, I can help. We are an immigration firm in Boston serving all of Massachusetts. Call or text us today at (617) 295-7500, and let’s get started on your case!
