Public Charge

Public charge is a ground of inadmissibility: a non-citizen can be denied a green card or visa if USCIS concludes they are "likely at any time to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence." Under the 2022 rule currently in effect, only cash assistance programs (TANF, SSI, state GA) and long-term institutionalization at government expense count — not Medicaid (non-institutional), SNAP, WIC, CHIP, housing, or unemployment benefits. The primary evidence USCIS considers is the Form I-864 Affidavit of Support, which must show the sponsor's household income at or above 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.