Public Charge Regulation Toolkit - Protecting Immigrant Families

Context

The latest updates

On July 16, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security released the final public charge rule. PIF is currently reviewing the rule and will share a thorough analysis and updated educational materials with the full network as quickly as possible. Read our press statement here.

Please sign up for updates in the footer of this site and come back to this page soon for the latest information.

Materials

Guide

What Changed With Public Charge?

Use this guide to compare the 2022 public charge rule to the policy starting September 18, 2026.

Factsheet

Public Charge: What Advocates Need to Know

Updated July 16, 2026. Brief overview of recent public charge policy changes and explanation of the current rule. Provides background for advocates to understand previous policy battles and prepare to fight future changes.

Factsheet

Public Charge: Does this Apply to Me?

Updated July 17, 2026. Community-facing, one-page hand-out that helps families determine if they might be subject to a public charge determination.

Talking Points

Public Charge Community Talking Points

Updated July 2026. Use these messages and talking points to share the basics about the new public charge rule with your community. Talking points available in English and Spanish.

Talking Points

2026 DHS Public Charge Rule FAQ

This resource compiles Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the 2026 DHS Final Public Charge Rule. This resource will be updated regularly.

Research

Research Documents the Harm of Past Public Charge Policies

Research conducted in May 2023 found the lead up to and rollout of the Trump public charge policy created a pronounced and persistent "chilling effect," impacting immigrant enrollment in critical benefits.

Presentations

Presentation

“Our Rights, Our Benefits” Community Presentation Template

Template slide deck for community presentations about public charge and immigrant rights.

Presentation

Nonprofit Training Presentation: What Immigrant Families Should Know Right Now About Public Charge

Use this template presentation to train other nonprofit and partner networks about public charge.

Media Outreach

PIF's statement on the Trump public charge regulation can be a starting point for partner statements.

Press Release

Trump “Public Charge” Policy Means Chaos, Bias, Harm Advocates Warn

EL PASO, TEXAS — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released final regulations Thursday concerning administration of federal immigration law’s “public charge” provision, which applies to many lawfully present immigrants applying for “green cards.” An initial reading of the final regulation suggests that, despite legal requirements to consider public comments, the Trump administration largely disregarded the thousands of comments opposing the proposal issued last fall.

Media outreach Member-Only

Public Charge Press Talking Points

Talking points on public charge for national or regional mass market or trade media outlets.