In early 2018, the US State Department issued a revision to its Foreign Affairs Manual, redefining public charge. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services is seeking a rule change which will require official posting with the OMB and a period for public comment. According to these new rules, any individual seeking to become a lawful resident can be denied permanent residency if they are likely to rely on government subsistence in the future. The new rules expand government subsistence to include noncash benefits, such as receipt of the earned income tax credit (EITC), children’s health insurance (CHIP), nutrition assistance (SNAP), WIC, Section 8 housing vouchers, and more. Furthermore, the changes include assistance received by family members, including citizen children. These changes may potentially force immigrant families to choose between providing nutrition or health care to their families and seeking a lawful path to citizenship. NILC is closely following these potential changes. You can follow what we know on their public charge factsheet.