On February 24, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) implemented new rules for green card applicants to prove they will be able to support themselves financially in the United States.
The new rule greatly expands the financial information USCIS requests from green card applicants, including children. Applicants must now disclose not only income, assets, and debts, but also medical diagnoses, educational and professional achievements, and language ability.
Existing application forms have been updated, and the new Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, must now be submitted with most green card applications.
One big concern for many people is the focus on past and present receipt of public benefits. Please note that some public benefits do not count against a green card applicant, and those that do often are not available to non-residents. Also, applicants do not have to list benefits received by their U.S. citizen children (unless it appears as income on their federal tax return).
If you are concerned how the proposed rule might affect your application for permanent residency, please contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Update: ongoing litigation continues to affect who must complete the Public Charge Questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic. Check out my article, "Public Charge Changes" for more details.