PUBLIC CHARGE

What is it?
“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 goverment programs if approved.

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.

Does Public Charge affect you?

Click to set custom HTML

Do you already have a Green Card?

Are you applying for:
* Citizenship?
* Green Card Renewal?
* DACA REnewal?
* U or T Visa?
* Asylum or Refugee Status?
* TPS?
* VAWA?
* Special Immigrant Juvenil Status?
* Green Card Base on U/T/SIJ, VAWA
​   or Ayslum?

Do you or your family plan to apply
for a Green Card or visa from inside
​the U. S.?

Do you or your family plan to apply
for a Green Card or visa from
outside ​the U. S.?

➔

➔

➔

➔

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

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

A Public Charge Test may apply, but only a few benefits that the applicant receives count. It is still safe to get Medi-Cal and CalFresh/Food Stamps benefits. Eligible family members can use any​ benefits.

Benefits currently considered for public charge test:

Proposed Changes to Public Charge would also consider: 

* Cash Benfits
   - SSI
   - CalWORKs
   - CAPI
   - General Assistance

* CalFresh/food stamps
* Non-emergency Medi-Cal
* Medicare Part D subsidies
* Federal housing/Section 8
These changes might never be made.  If they are, you will have time to stop these benefits before they count. 

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.

English Flyer

Spanish Flyer

Chinese Fliyer