DHS ANNOUNCES FINAL "PUBLIC CHARGE" RULE
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the publication of their final rule formally restoring the historical definition of “public charge” after the Trump administration’s attempt to redefine the term to be more restrictive in 2019. The rule would remove hurdles to immigration for anyone deemed “likely” to become dependent on public benefits while trying to obtain a visa or become a U.S. permanent resident. The final rule, which reestablishes the rule's historical understanding, was published Friday and is scheduled to take effect on December 23rd.