INBOX: If You Are Looking To Apply For A Green Card, You Should Rethink Using Benefits

For years, green card applicants never had to think twice about using Medicaid or other public benefits. That is about to change.

Beginning September 18, 2026, the public charge rule will once again become one of the most important issues in many green card applications. The Trump administration has expanded how USCIS will evaluate the use of public benefits, such as Medicaid, food stamps, and other government assistance programs. Applicants who ignore these changes could find themselves facing serious consequences, including the possibility of a green card denial.

These changes apply only to green card applications filed on or after September 18, 2026. They do not apply to applications filed before that date, applications that are already pending, or individuals who already have their green cards.

The concept of public charge is not new. The immigration law has always said that a person who is likely to become a public charge is not eligible for a green card. In simple terms, the government wants to make sure that someone applying for permanent residence has the ability to support themselves and is not likely to depend primarily on government assistance.

What has changed is how USCIS will make that determination. In recent years, only a limited number of public benefits were considered when evaluating whether someone could be considered a public charge. Under the new rule, USCIS will look at a much broader range of public benefits, including benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps, when reviewing a green card application.

This means that benefits that many people previously did not worry about could now receive much more attention during the immigration process. The use of public benefits can become a negative factor in a green card application and, in certain circumstances, can contribute to a denial if USCIS determines that the applicant is likely to become a public charge.

It is also important to understand that the rule does not require a U.S. citizen spouse or U.S. citizen children to stop receiving public benefits. However, USCIS may consider the household’s overall circumstances, including the family’s reliance on public benefits, when making a public charge determination. Because of this, families should carefully consider how continued use of benefits could impact a future green card application.

For anyone planning to apply for a green card, the safest approach is to avoid receiving public benefits starting September 18, 2026, especially benefits such as Medicaid. Even if the green card application is still years away, planning ahead can help avoid unnecessary complications.

If you have questions about how these changes may affect your specific situation, you can reach out to Greenbuzz for more information and guidance. Call 845-418-3221 to discuss your case and learn more about how the new public charge rules may impact your green card application.