U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced last week that the new Public Charge rule will go into effect on February 24, 2020, except for in the State of Illinois. The agency also clarified that the new public charge testing criteria will only be used on applications postmarked or received after February 24.
From USCIS’s website:
“When determining whether an alien is likely to become a public charge at any time in the future, DHS will not consider an alien’s application for, certification or approval to receive, or receipt of certain non-cash public benefits before Feb. 24, 2020. Similarly, when determining whether the public benefits condition applies to applications or petitions for extension of stay or change of status, USCIS will only consider public benefits received on or after Feb. 24, 2020.”
CLPHA members can view our public charge rule fact sheet, talking points, and suggested language for responding to applicant and tenant inquiries here.