The Statue of Liberty famously stands proud over Ellis Island, which used to be a primary hub for immigration when such travel usually occurred by a ship from Europe. It demonstrates how immigration to the United States represented a beacon of hope for those who dreamed of a better life.
Sadly, modern immigration policy seems to have divorced itself from the immigrant past of the United States. The so-called “public charge” rule could very well prevent individuals who are seeking a better life from entering the United States. It could also impact those who already live and work in the United States who hope to be citizens one day.
How will U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services enforce the public charge rule?
Beginning on February 24, 2020, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services started to put a significant focus on the material wealth and financial solvency of both those applying for new visas and legal residents applying for citizenship. Those reviewing requests for visas and citizenship must consider whether the applicant could become a public charge in the future, and if so, their application likely won’t receive approval.
In other words, even those who have already entered the United States and secure jobs here may be vulnerable to the denial of their citizen request or deportation if they can’t demonstrate that they have adequate financial resources to avoid becoming a public charge. Effectively, the government wants to avoid providing any kind of federal benefits to immigrants with this new public charge rule.
It’s harder than ever to get through the immigration process. It may be wise to seek experienced assistance.
