Index/Topics/Public charge rules

Public charge rules

U.S. federal benefit rules and proposals that could penalize immigrants for using benefits

Fact-Checks

5 results
Jan 14, 2026
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What federal public benefits are available to noncitizens and which require legal status?

Federal eligibility for public benefits is governed by a layered statutory regime that generally limits most federal programs to U.S. citizens and a narrower class of “qualified” noncitizens; unauthor...

Jan 17, 2026
Most Viewed

Can immigrant workers in US labour camps unionize for better wages?

Union law and practice in the United States generally allow immigrant workers—including undocumented workers—to organize for better wages and working conditions, and major unions and federations activ...

Jan 21, 2026

What laws govern private donations to the White House and Executive Residence?

Federal law and long‑standing practice permit certain private gifts, art and furnishings to be accepted for the and Executive Residence under statutes and delegated authorities, but those authorities ...

Jan 11, 2026

How did states verify voter eligibility and prevent noncitizen registration in 2024?

States in 2024 relied on a blend of federal law requirements, state-level data-matching, identity checks at registration and at the polls, and selective use of federal databases to verify voter eligib...

Jan 10, 2026

Has the distinction between undocumented status and unlawful entry changed in recent years?

The legal difference between being "undocumented" (present without a lawful immigration status) and "unlawful entry" (entering the United States in violation of criminal or immigration statutes) remai...