Public Charge"Public Charge" has been part of U.S. immigration law for more than 100 years as a ground of inadmissability and deportation. An alien who is likely at any time to become a public charge is inadmissible and ineligible to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. Also, an alien can be removed from the United States if he or she becomes a public charge within five years of entering the United States from causes that existed before entry. The issue of becoming a public charge generates considerable public confusion and concern about whether a non-citizen who is eligible to receive certain Federal, State or local public benefits may face adverse immigration consequences as a public charge for having received public benefits. This concern has prompted some non-citizens and their families to deny themselves public benefits for which they are eligible – including disaster relief, treatment of communicable diseases, immunizations, and children's nutrition and health care programs – potentially causing harm to themselves and the general public. The following information products are provided to address some of the questions and concerns you may have about the issue of becoming a public charge.
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