The Supreme Court dismissed a challenge to Trump’s “public charge” rule on March 9, a 2019 regulation that denied legal status to immigrants if immigration officials determine that the applicant could benefit from public assistance programs. The public charge rule, also known as a wealth test, gave U.S. immigration officers the authority to deny applicants of Green Cards, visa extensions, or other changes in immigration status if they applied for public benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance.
On February 2, 2021, President Biden issued an executive order calling for a review of the public charge rule implemented by the Trump administration. The dismissal means that the public charge rule will not go into effect while the order is under review by the Biden administration.
Chicago immigration attorney Mario Godoy praised the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the public charge rule case:
“Especially now, when many immigrants are essential workers and healthcare workers during the COVID pandemic, the Supreme Court has ended hard-working immigrants’ fear to use needed benefits such as healthcare to protect the health and safety of themself, their families and their communities.”
The public charge rule has faced multiple challenges. On June 10, 2020, the 7th Circuit Court upheld a preliminary injunction blocking the new public charge rule enforcement in Illinois. Multiple lawsuits and court orders prevented the rule from going into effect while Trump was in office.
It is important that you speak to an immigration attorney to help you understand how changes to immigration law could affect your current or pending application for immigration status within the United States.
Mario Godoy and the other knowledgeable attorneys at the Godoy Law Office can help you assess your situation and the best options for your situation. If you need help with an immigration issue, please contact our office or call us at 630-912-0322.
