Federal law requires those applying for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to prove they will not become a burden to the U.S. government. Starting in October, USCIS will add a new factor to the analysis: in addition to weighing household income, health, and education level, the agency will also consider prior use of public assistance. Immigrants rights groups warn that this could cause a chilling effect on immigrants getting the help they need, fearing that it could harm their immigration status in the future. The new standards will make it more difficult for many immigrants to qualify for LPR status. Some benefits will not be considered, including those received by children up to age 21 and women who are pregnant, student loans, and emergency medical assistance. Active duty military and asylum seekers are also exempt from these requirements.
– Weekly Immigration Briefing by Olivia Hester, Immigration Law Analyst at Docketwise.
Posted in: Immigration
posted on: August 16, 2019