PUBLIC CHARGE

What is it?
“Public charge” is a test to see if a person applying for a VISA is likely to depend on specific government programs. Currently the government looks at CalWORKs, Supplemental Secuirty Income (SSI), General Assistance (GA), Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) and long-term care (Nursing Home). Factors like job, skills, education, family income, health are also considered in the test.

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: Cantonese Subtitles

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: Tagalog Subtitles

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.

Who Does the Public Charge Apply to?

The “public charge” test applies to 2 types of immigrants:

1. Immigrants applying for visas from outside the U.S.
2. Some Immigrants living in the U.S. who are applying for permanent residence (GREEN CARDS)

Who Does the Public Charge DOES NOT Apply to?

1. Those who already have a GREEN CARD​ 
   * Will also NOT affect your application to  citizenship. 
2. Asylees, refugees, U and T-visa applicants, people with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and those applying under VAWA.​

• But you might have as problem if you leave the U.S. for more than 6 months. Talk to an immigration attorney before you leave

Want to Sponsor a relative for a Green Card?

Using benefits, including cash aid, health care, & food programs should not prevent you from sponsoring a relative who is in the U.S. But it might affect your relative who is abroad. You must show that you or a cosponsor have enough money to support the relative. Consult a lawyer about your own situation.

The following video is a ​KYR PSAs that the California Immigrant Policy Center worked with The California Endowment to address concerns around the possible change to public charge policy and access to public benefits for immigrants

Finally...

• 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.

Flier on Public Charge