The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced changes to Form I-485 or the Form for Adjustment of Status.
The change includes a new “public charge” portion, and some new questions for green card applicants.
The changes have been applied since December 23, 2022, according to the USCIS.
First, let’s review what a public charge is. Being a public charge means that a person is “primarily dependent” on the government, making them a “charge” to the public rather than a contributor.
Green card applicants are not admissible to the US if they are likely to be a public charge.
The keyword is self sufficiency.
The change is with proving one’s self sufficiency. Under the Trump administration, there was a whole separate form, the Declaration of Self Sufficiency, to prove that one was not likely to become a public charge.
Under the Biden administration, some of the information asked by the discarded form will be included in the Form I-485.
Here’s what Boundless found: In the preview of Form I-485, if an applicant answers “yes” to being subject to public charge ground of inadmissibility on their form, they must provide the following information:
- Household size
- Annual household income
- Total value of household assets
- Total value of household liabilities
- Highest degree or level of school completed
- List of work-related skills, certifications, licenses, educational certificates
- If an applicant has ever received cash benefit programs for income maintenance
- If an applicant has ever received long-term institutionalization at the government’s expense
For guidance on getting a green card and navigating these new rules, reach out to a trusted immigration lawyer.
