21 November 2025 US DHS proposes to rescind the 2022 public charge ground of inadmissibility regulations The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule to rescind the 2022 public charge regulations. Specifically, DHS notes that the current rules are too restrictive, limit officer discretion, and do not align with congressional intent. The proposed changes would remove narrow definitions and frameworks, allowing officers to consider a broader range of public benefits and a greater scope of information when determining if an applicant is likely to become a public charge. DHS is also seeking to amend public charge bond provisions. The proposed amendment clarifies that an immigrant who has posted a public charge bond and receives any means-tested public benefit, not just limited to cash assistance or long-term institutionalization, will be considered to have breached the bond. Additionally, DHS aims to streamline the process for determining when a bond is breached and provide clearer guidance for cancellation and appeals. Document ID: 2025-2342 |
