Our Goal
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) on Public Charge on November 19, 2025 that—if finalized—could create fear, confusion, and barriers for millions of immigrant families seeking essential health, nutrition, and economic supports. Our goal is to demonstrate strong public opposition to the proposed public charge policy changes through a coalition-wide response. We invite your organization to join this effort and stand with immigrant families across the country.
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Why It Matters
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This proposal is about chaos and bias.
Without the Biden regulation’s guardrails, DHS can base public charge denials on any health or social services program the administration wants.
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The Trump Administration and Congress have taken actions that hurt many immigrant families.
This proposed rule is just one of many ways that the administration is trying to make immigrants and their families afraid of getting the help they need.
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Boundless discretion
The proposed changes will give USCIS officers boundless discretion that will fundamentally reshape the U.S. immigration system.
Key Takeaways
- The rules have not yet changed. The Biden public charge rule is still in effect and will remain in effect until there is a final rule, which will take some time. Most immigrants who are subject to public charge are not eligible for the benefits that count under the test.
- Most people do not have to worry about public charge at all. Public charge does not apply to everyone. It mostly applies to people seeking a green card through a family member or who seek to enter the U.S. from outside the country.
- The proposal is part of the broader assault on lawfully present immigrants, US citizens in immigrant families, and the communities that welcome them.
Background & Toolkit
Learn more about the proposed public charge regulation and the impact it will have on immigrant communities by reviewing the resources in our toolkit below.
