USCIS Suspends Implementation of Final Rule on Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds

As a result of an injunction issued by the U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York on July 29, 2020, USCIS will not apply the enhanced “public charge” requirements that went into effect on February 24, 2020.

Pursuant to this decision, USCIS has indicated that applications or petitions filed on or after July 29, 2020 will not be adjudicated under the expanded public charge requirements. As such, at this time, the Declaration of Self Sufficiency (Form I-944) with its onerous documentation requirements need not be filed with an I-485 Application for Adjustment of Status. Additionally, applications or petitions for extension of stay or change in nonimmigrant status (Form I-129 and Form I-539/I-539A) need not include additional information regarding receipt of public benefits.

This could change at any time and the requirement could be reinstated depending on what happens with the litigation.

We will continue to keep you updated regarding any further developments.

Leave a Comment