# Plain Language Summary: Public Charge Rule Disapproval

Congress is voting to reject a rule created by the Department of Homeland Security about who can be denied entry into the United States based on being a "public charge." A public charge is someone the government believes is likely to become dependent on public benefits like welfare, food stamps, or Medicaid.

The Department of Homeland Security's rule makes it harder for immigrants to get visas or green cards if they've used certain government benefits or if officials think they might use them in the future. This resolution says Congress disagrees with that rule and wants to block it from going into effect. If this resolution passes, the rule would be stopped, and the old standards for determining public charge would remain in place instead.

This affects immigrants and their families who are trying to come to the United States or adjust their immigration status. Under the new rule that Congress is trying to block, people could be denied entry or permanent residency if they've received benefits like Medicaid, food assistance, or housing help—or if immigration officials predict they might need these services. The resolution essentially says Congress believes this rule is too strict and unfairly punishes people for using government assistance programs. If it passes, immigrants wouldn't face this additional barrier when applying for visas or green cards, though other immigration requirements would still apply.

A joint resolution disapproving of the rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security relating to "Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility".

Marshall, Roger

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule submitted by the Department of Homeland Security titled <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/09/09/2022-18867/public-charge-ground-of-inadmissibility" target="_self">Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility</a> and published on September 9, 2022. The 2022 final rule nullified an August 14, 2019, final rule. The 2019 final rule made it more likely that a non-U.S. national (alien under federal law) would be denied admission or lawful permanent resident status because that individual is likely to become a public charge (i.e., receive certain public benefits). This joint resolution restores into effect the nullified 2019 final rule.