‘Public Charge’ Regulation to Take Effect in Illinois

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled to remove the Illinois statewide injunction (legal block) against the federal ‘public charge’ rule. This means that the ‘public charge’ inadmissibility rule, in which someone can be denied a visa or green card if federal officials determine that the person is likely to rely on government support, will now go into effect. Illinois Action for Children denounces the federal administration’s attacks on immigrant families and stands alongside the communities and families that we serve.

This discriminatory regulation has caused great confusion and anxiety among immigrant families. We will work closely with fellow advocates to ensure those who are exempt from this ruling do not disenroll from critical programs and services.

Please see the public charge fact sheet created by Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois to learn more.

For questions about public charge please contact pifillinois@povertylaw.org. Please direct immigrant families with questions to the Immigrant Family Resource Program (IFRP): these community-based organizations make up a statewide network with staff who are trained on public charge. IFRP staff collectively speak over 55 languages and can be accessed here.

The Illinois Action for Children Public Policy and Advocacy Team