CA, US & World
New Public Charge Rule Takes Effect for Certain Green Card Applicants
A new federal public charge rule takes effect Friday, Sept. 18, changing how the Department of Homeland Security evaluates whether certain immigrants seeking permanent residency could become a public charge.
The rule applies to qualifying green card applications submitted on or after Sept. 18. USCIS guidance says the updated policy applies to people seeking permanent residency through several immigrant visa categories and to certain other applicants subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility.
Under the updated policy, immigration officials can consider a broader range of factors when determining whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. The changes follow DHS's July 2026 final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulations.
The issue is particularly important for people considering whether to use certain government programs while pursuing permanent residency. The new framework can involve consideration of certain public benefits and the applicant's overall financial circumstances.
However, not every government benefit automatically makes someone a public charge. For example, USCIS materials state that applying for or receiving SNAP does not affect a person's ability to obtain or keep a green card.
The rules also contain important exemptions and exceptions. USCIS guidance says current green card holders who are simply renewing their permanent resident status are not subject to the public charge ground on that basis. People applying for U.S. citizenship are also generally not subject to a public charge determination.
The timing of an application also matters. USCIS says the updated guidance applies to applications postmarked, submitted electronically or involving an admission request on or after Sept. 18, 2026.
Because immigration circumstances vary, attorneys and immigrant-rights organizations recommend that people consider their individual situation before making decisions about benefits or immigration applications.
Anyone who has questions about how the rule applies to a specific case should consult a qualified immigration attorney or another authorized immigration professional rather than assuming that using or applying for a particular benefit will automatically affect their status.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 18, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Election Day is TOMORROW! But, there’s still plenty of time to cast your vote. NBC Palm Spring’s @maria_nvtv is telling you the top 3 things you need to know. #ElectionDay #Vote2026 #CaliforniaPolitics #CoachellaValley #NBCPalmSprings
Do you actually know what you’re voting for? 👀🗳️ #therogginreport #election2026 #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🗳️ ELECTION NIGHT UPDATES – NBC PALM SPRINGS Stay with NBC Palm Springs throughout Election Night for the latest results, breaking developments, and election updates! You can follow our coverage across all of our platforms: 📱 Instagram – Follow our page for updates throughout the night. 👍 Facebook – Find the latest election news and results on our Facebook page. 🌐 NBCPalmSprings.com – Watch our live coverage in the viewer right on the front page of our website. ▶️ YouTube – Join us in the LIVE section of our YouTube page. Wherever you follow us, NBC Palm Springs has you covered on Election Night! Stay informed. Stay connected. Follow NBC Palm Springs. #ElectionNight #NBCPalmSprings #Election2026 #CoachellaValley #ElectionCoverage
Privacy. Security. Style. Whether you’re looking to enhance your backyard, secure your property, or add curb appeal, E&E Fence Co. is ready to help bring your vision to life. Call (951) 616-8553 to request an estimate! Beaumont, CA Follow us: @eandefenceco #EEFenceCo #FenceInstallation #BeaumontCA #InlandEmpire #HomeImprovement #PrivacyFence #FenceContractor
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!