The $1/Day Standard & Other Problems with DHS ’s Public Charge Rule

ConclusionThe rule would not prevent legal immigrants from accessing welfare if the law allows them to obtain it, setting up a strange dichotomy between our rules at entry and our rules after entry. Under current law, the administration generally cannot prevent immigrants from using welfare in such cases, so no matter how the administration ends up reforming the public charge determinations, Congress should amend the law tolimit government benefits only to citizens. The private sector can —and already is—aiding immigrants when they fall on hard times or need help to get ahead, and the evidenceindicates that similar restrictions enacted in 1996 had no major effects on immigrant poverty.A strict no-welfare rule would further protect U.S. taxpayers, allow for higher levels of immigration, provide an incentive for immigrants to assimilate and naturalize, and avoid the necessity —as under this new rule—of turning bureaucrats into soothsayers. Table 2: Factors for Public Charge Determinations under DHS Rule FactorsIThe alien ’s age1between 18 and 61IIThe alien ’s health.2A diagnosis of a medical condition by a civil surgeon or panel physician;3Evidence of non-subsidized health insurance4Evidence of assets and resourcesIIIThe alien ’s family status5being a dependent or having dependent(s) makes it more or less likely that the alien will become a public charge.IVThe alien ’s education and skills.6a history of employment7a high school degree or higher education8any o...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs