The public charge rule directs the federal government to take into account whether certain non-citizens have received specific types of public assistance when deciding if the non-citizen can receive legal permanent resident status (a green card).

Many of the people we serve may be confused and concerned about whether the public charge rule applies to them. Eligibility workers may receive questions about how the receipt of benefits affects an applicant's or recipient's immigration status. Please note:

●	The public charge rule does NOT change who is or is not eligible for public assistance. Eligibility workers should not consider the public charge rule when making an eligibility determination.
●	Eligibility workers should never give immigration advice or guidance. People who have questions about how the public charge rule affects them or their family should seek legal advice from an immigration attorney. This will allow people to make an informed decision about receiving benefits and understand whether they or their family may be impacted in the future.

Inform people who ask about the public charge rule to contact a private immigration attorney or a Legal Aid office. People may reach out to:

• SMRLS (Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services): (888) 575-2954
• MMLA (Mid Minnesota Legal Aid): (888) 354-5522
• Justice North: (877) 696-6529