The process of getting a green card is difficult enough on its own, but when there are rule changes, it can throw everything up in the air. One such rule, called the “Public Charge”, goes into effect on September 18, 2026. Our team at Maison Law Immigration Lawyers can help explain how this new rule applies to your situation and what you can do to be ready for it. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.
How Will the New Public Charge Rule Impact My Green Card Case?
There’s two ways of looking at how the changing public charge rule is going to impact your life: what the rule says now and what the changes are.
Currently, public charge is used by USCIS as a way of figuring out whether an applicant will be dependent on government services and it’s pretty narrow. It mainly focuses on:
- Financial assistance from the government, like social security
- Long-term care paid for by the government
But once the changes go into effect on September 18, that scope is going to get broadened a lot to include all of a person’s circumstances like:
- Income and financial resources
- Employment and employment history
- Age
- Health
- Family circumstances
- Education and skills
- Financial support
- Certain other public benefits
Even with these changes, the important thing for you to know is that just being on government assistance like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or WIC doesn’t disqualify you from getting a green card. What it does mean, though, is that after the rule change goes into effect, the government can use that as part of their rulings and decision-making. And that probably brings you to a logical question: can I do anything to help my green card case if I’m receiving these benefits?
What Can Help My Green Card Case If I’m on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or WIC?
Just because you’re on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or WIC doesn’t mean you won’t get a green card, but again, it can be factored into the equation when it comes to how immigration looks at your situation. So when you consider that, it can feel a little scary when you also rely on the state government to feed your family. But the fact remains that applying for a green card doesn’t take just one piece of evidence or documentation. And the more documentation you can provide, the easier it can be for immigration to give you an accurate review of your circumstances. Here’s what can help you:
- Pay stubs or tax returns showing how much you make.
- Work records or a letter from your employer showing where you work and your work history.
- Bank statements or other financial records showing what you have available.
- Information about your household, including who lives with you and who you support.
- School, training, or other work records showing your education and job skills.
- A Form I-864 Affidavit of Support
- Information about why you needed the benefits, especially if you were going through a temporary financial or personal situation.
So if you receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or WIC, don’t assume that one of those benefits will decide your case. Your benefits are just one part of the bigger picture. But remember, you don’t have to try to go through the process alone.
Maison Law Immigration Lawyers Can Help With Your Green Card Case in California
Going through the process of trying to get a green card in California is stressful enough on its own, without considering all the other factors that might influence the decision. And when you also use services provided by the state government like Medi-Cal, WIC, or CalFresh, it only adds to the stress.
The good news is you don’t have to try to go through it all by yourself. At Maison Law Immigration Lawyers, we can help you understand how the new public charge rules might apply to your situation. When you sit down with our team, we can:
- Make sure you understand how the new rule could affect your green card case
- Look at your income, work history, benefits, and other circumstances
- Explain what documents you may need
- Answer your questions about Medi-Cal, CalFresh, WIC, and other benefits
Our goal is to make the process easier to understand and help you feel more confident about your next steps. Don’t wait. Set up a one-on-one consultation today.
