The US Department of Homeland Security seal is displayed ahead of an expected press conference at the FEMA National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC, US, January 24, 2026. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Reuters)
The US Department of Homeland Security seal is displayed ahead of an expected press conference at the FEMA National Response Coordination Center in Washington, DC, US, January 24, 2026. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Reuters)

The Public Charge Rule allows immigration officers to deny green cards to people they deem likely to rely on public assistance.

It will help realize President Donald Trump's executive order to strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure that immigrants are "able to support themselves" rather than relying on public assistance funded by taxpayers, said Joseph B. Edlow, director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Under the Public Charge Rule, immigration officers will conduct a comprehensive test of each green card applicants' income, assets, employment status, education, health insurance, and financial sponsorship to determine whether the applicant may become a public charge in the future.