Public Charge and COVID-19 Alert from USCIS:

USCIS encourages all those with symptoms that resemble Coronavirus (COVID-19) (fever, cough, shortness of breath) to seek necessary medical treatment or preventive services.  “Such treatment or preventive services will NOT negatively affect any alien as part of a future Public Charge analysis.”  uscis.gov/greencard/public-charge
 
Remember that most people who have a public charge test aren’t receiving the benefits that count.  To see if an immigration application has a public charge test, go to www.KeepYourBenefitsCA.org or text “libre” (for Spanish) or “benefits” (for English) to 650.376.8006

Does Public Charge affect you?
​Find out by using the following free and safe tools!
KeepYourBenefitsCA.org
or
Text one of the following to (650) 376-8006
 Spanish text 'LIBRE'
English text 'benefits'​

Learn more:

February 24, 2020 Update: The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed the “public charge” rule to take effect while the legal challenges continue. Most immigrants who face a public charge test do not qualify for the benefits that count. More importantly, the rule creates a “wealth test,” making it harder for low-income immigrants to get lawful permanent resident status through a family member. 

What is public charge?

“Public charge” is a rule that immigration can use to deny an application for permanent residence ("Green Card") or certain other visas if the applicant is likely to depend on certain government programs if approved.

Public Charge (English)

Public Charge PSA (English)

This is "Public Charge PSA (English)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Public Charge (廣東話)

Public Charge PSA (Cantonese)

This is "Public Charge PSA (Cantonese)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Public Charge (Philipino)

Public Charge PSA (Tagalog)

This is "Public Charge PSA (Tagalog)" by SMC Human Services Agency on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

Does Public Charge affect you?

Do you already have a green card?

--------- YES -------->

Public charge doesn't apply. But if you use cash benefits and plan to leave the country for more than 6 months, it is a good idea to talk with an immigration attorney.

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Are you applying for:
- Citizenship
- Green Card renewal
- DACA renewal
- U or T Visa
- Asylum or Refugee status
- TPS
- VAWA
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Green Card based on U/T/SIJ, VAWA, or Asylum?

--------- YES -------->

Public charge doesn't apply to you for these applications. You may use any benefits for which you qualify.

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Do you or your family plan to apply for a family-based green card or visa?

--------- YES -------->

​​A public charge test may apply—but only a few benefits that the immigrant receives count: 

• Most immigrants who face a public charge test are not eligible for benefits that count.
• For family-based green card applications filed before 2/24/20 with interviews inside the U.S.:
  • Cash assistance (SSI, CalWORKs,  GA,  CAPI)
  • Long-term care Medi-Cal
• For family-base green card applications filed as of 2/24/20 or for interviews outside the U.S., these benefits also count, if received by the immigrant on or after 2/24/20:
  • Federal Medi-Cal*
  • Federal CalFresh (food stamps)
  • Federal public housing/Section 8 assistance.
• Eligible family members can use any benefits.

* Most immigrants who face a public charge test only get state-funded Medi-Cal.

The video above is a ​KYR PSA from the California Immigrant Policy Center and The California Endowment. It addresses concerns around the possible change to public charge policy and access to public benefits for immigrants.

Important information:

• There is NO advantage to stopping your benefits right now.

• Food and health care help families thrive.

• Before you stop any benefits, talk to a lawyer.

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