Public debate about immigration often includes claims that immigrants heavily rely on federal public benefits. In reality, U.S. law places strict limits on which immigrants qualify for federal assistance—and most immigrants, especially undocumented immigrants, are completely ineligible for these programs.
This NPZ overview helps separate fact from misinformation.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the public charge inadmissibility standard more strictly, signaling a renewed focus on self-sufficiency for individuals applying for permanent residence in the United States. This move aligns with the broader immigration enforcement priorities that have returned under the Trump 2.0 administration.
On September 4, 2025, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0190, reaffirming its guidance on how officers must evaluate the Public Charge ground of inadmissibility under Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This update underscores the government’s continued focus on ensuring that individuals seeking permanent residence are...
