Green Card To Come With A Financial Test?

Donald Trump’s administration is pulling all stops to overhaul the immigration system and also to enforce stringent rules for those who intend to settle in USA. The government has brought back the public charge rule, creating new hurdles for foreign nationals seeking a Green Card. Indians are once again likely to face the consequences of this rule.

Under this restored policy, immigration officials can reject Green Card to applicants if they believe the individual might depend on government assistance programs in the future due to financial difficulties. The decision aims to ensure that newcomers are financially independent and do not depend on taxpayer-funded resources.

To make this decision, officials will look at factors like an individual’s age, health, family size, income, skills, and work background. This rule will come into effect from September 18 this year.

If an applicant is considered at risk of relying on government support, officials may offer them a chance to pay a financial bond. This money acts as a guarantee that they will not use public aid. However, this option is granted solely at the discretion of the immigration agency.

It is well known that Indian applicants are already facing long wait timing for processing of their Green Cards. This new policy adds more headache to their process as immigration officers will now have wider flexibility to evaluate an applicant’s financial background, age, job skills, income, and overall health status and deny them Green Card.

Certain groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and current Green Card holders renewing their status, are exempt from these new requirements. But, the real impact of this policy will be known once it comes into effect.