DHS with new rule for immigrants who want a “residence”

New York. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States is implementing a new public charge rule for immigrants seeking “permanent residency” in U.S. territory, informing that it will no longer deny it for requesting any social assistance, but probably to those who receive cash aid from the Federal Government.

Dominicans residing in Upper Manhattan expressed relief with the new measure because many of them did not submit the petition to receive some type of aid.

“While there is still much work to be done to overcome confusion and fear, we will continue to work to break down barriers in the immigration system,” said the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

DHS recalled that Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) makes a noncitizen inadmissible if he or she is “likely at some point to become a public charge,” i.e., dependent on financial assistance from the federal government to live.

Age, health, family status, assets, resources, financial status, education, and skills, will be considered in the evaluation of an immigrant when applying for Legal Permanent Residency, DHS said.

“This action ensures fair and humane treatment for legal immigrants and their U.S. citizen family members,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.