Comprendre la règle relative à la charge publique : quelles prestations sociales peuvent ou non avoir une incidence sur votre dossier d'immigration ?

Angelica Rice • July 3, 2025

 Click here to read this article in English

Lorsqu'ils font une demande de carte verte ou cherchent à entrer aux États-Unis, l'un des obstacles juridiques auxquels de nombreux candidats peuvent être confrontés est le motif d'inadmissibilité pour charge publique. Ce test évalue si une personne est susceptible de devenir principalement dépendante de l'aide du gouvernement.



Mais qu'est-ce que cela signifie exactement, et quels types d'aides publiques peuvent déclencher ce problème ?


Dans cet article, nous allons expliquer ce que signifie réellement le terme « charge publique », qui est concerné, quels types d'aides publiques sont pris en compte et ce à quoi les immigrants doivent faire attention lorsqu'ils prennent des décisions concernant les programmes publics tels que Medi-Cal et Medicaid.


Qu'est-ce que le motif d'inadmissibilité pour charge publique ?


La règle relative à la charge publique s'applique aux personnes qui demandent un visa, une carte verte (ajustement de statut) ou l'entrée aux États-Unis, sauf si elles relèvent d'une catégorie exemptée. En vertu de cette règle, le département de la Sécurité intérieure (DHS) doit déterminer si le demandeur est susceptible de devenir principalement dépendant du gouvernement pour sa subsistance. Cela fait généralement référence à la réception :


  • Aide financière publique pour le maintien du revenu (telle que SSI ou TANF), ou
  • Soins institutionnels de longue durée à la charge du gouvernement.


Cette décision est fondée sur « l'ensemble des circonstances », notamment l'âge, la santé, les ressources financières, le niveau d'éducation, les compétences et le fait qu'un parrain ait ou non présenté une déclaration sous serment de soutien financier valide.


Qui est exempté de la règle relative à la charge publique ?


De nombreuses catégories d'immigrants sont exemptées du motif d'inadmissibilité pour charge publique. Il s'agit notamment :


  • Des demandeurs d'asile et des réfugiés ;
  • Des mineurs immigrants spéciaux ;
  • Des personnes ayant déposé une demande individuelle au titre de la loi sur la violence contre les femmes (VAWA) ;
  • Des demandeurs de visa T et U ;
  • Des demandeurs du statut de protection temporaire (TPS).


Il est important de noter que même si une personne modifie ultérieurement son statut par une autre voie soumise à la charge publique, les avantages dont elle a bénéficié lorsqu'elle appartenait à une catégorie exemptée ne lui seront pas reprochés.


Quelles prestations publiques ne sont pas prises en compte dans le test de charge publique ?


Il existe un mythe courant et préjudiciable selon lequel le fait de bénéficier d'une prestation publique mettrait en péril votre statut d'immigrant. En réalité, la plupart des prestations non financières ne sont pas prises en compte dans la détermination de la charge publique. Selon les directives de l'USCIS et du DHS, les types d'aide suivants (à compter du 1er juillet 2025) ne sont pas pris en compte :


Prestations liées à la santé


  • Medi-Cal/Medicaid, à l'exception des soins institutionnels de longue durée
  • Programme d'assurance maladie pour les enfants (CHIP)
  • Assurance maladie via la plateforme ACA Marketplace, y compris les subventions
  • Dépistage, vaccins et traitement contre la COVID-19
  • Services de santé communautaires, aide psychologique en cas de crise et hébergements temporaires


Alimentation et nutrition


  • SNAP (coupons alimentaires)
  • WIC
  • Programmes de repas scolaires
  • Banques alimentaires et aide alimentaire d'urgence


Logement et énergie


  • Hébergement d'urgence
  • Aide au loyer (par exemple, programmes McKinney-Vento)
  • Aide à l'énergie (par exemple, LIHEAP)


Éducation et garde d'enfants


  • Enseignement public
  • Head Start
  • Subventions pour la garde d'enfants (par exemple, CCDF)
  • Bourses d'études et subventions


Aides financières et fiscales fédérales


  • Crédit d'impôt sur le revenu (EITC)
  • Crédit d'impôt pour enfants (CTC)
  • Chèques de relance
  • Assurance chômage
  • Sécurité sociale et prestations pour anciens combattants
  • Aides financières liées aux catastrophes et à la pandémie


En bref, ce n'est pas parce qu'une aide est publique ou financée par le gouvernement qu'elle vous pénalise automatiquement.


Mise en garde concernant Medi-Cal et Medicaid, en particulier


À ce jour (01/07/2025), l'utilisation standard de Medi-Cal (la version californienne de Medicaid) ou de Medicaid pour la plupart des services liés à la santé n'est pas prise en compte dans la détermination de la charge publique. Cela inclut les soins préventifs, les services d'urgence, les services liés à la grossesse et les soins de courte durée.


Toutefois, si Medicaid est utilisé pour un placement à long terme en institution, par exemple dans une maison de retraite ou un établissement psychiatrique, cela est pris en compte dans le test de charge publique.


Malgré les directives actuelles, nous constatons des changements politiques et une évolution du ton de l'administration actuelle qui suggèrent que les politiques en matière de charge publique pourraient devenir plus restrictives à l'avenir. Cela inclut un regain d'intérêt pour l'élargissement des types d'aides publiques pouvant être prises en compte, en particulier dans le domaine de l'aide médicale.


Pour cette raison, nous recommandons généralement aux personnes qui demandent un ajustement de statut ou qui pourraient être soumises à la charge publique à l'avenir d'éviter de s'inscrire à Medi-Cal ou Medicaid pour le moment, sauf en cas d'absolue nécessité.


Conclusion


La législation en matière d'immigration est complexe, et les règles relatives à la charge publique peuvent sembler déroutantes, voire effrayantes. Mais il est important de comprendre que le recours à la plupart des aides publiques, en particulier pour l'alimentation, l'éducation et les soins de santé, ne compromettra pas automatiquement votre demande de carte verte ou de visa.


Toutefois, comme les politiques peuvent changer rapidement, nous recommandons vivement aux personnes concernées de consulter un avocat spécialisé en immigration avant de demander une aide publique, en particulier dans le domaine des soins de santé, comme Medi-Cal ou Medicaid.


Si vous avez des questions ou des préoccupations concernant l'impact des aides publiques sur votre dossier d'immigration, notre cabinet est là pour vous aider. Nous nous engageons à vous fournir des conseils personnalisés et actualisés afin que votre parcours d'immigration se déroule sans encombre.


Avertissement

Les informations fournies ici sont uniquement à titre informatif et ne constituent pas un avis juridique. Chaque cas d'immigration est unique, et l'application de la règle relative à la charge publique peut varier en fonction de votre situation particulière. Si vous pensez que ce sujet vous concerne ou si vous avez besoin de conseils juridiques personnalisés, nous vous encourageons à contacter l'un de nos professionnels juridiques hautement qualifiés pour obtenir une consultation et une assistance adaptées à votre situation.


Sources :


Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.

Angelica Rice

Understanding the Public Charge Rule: What Public Benefits May or May Not Impact Your Immigration Case

By Angelica Rice • July 3, 2025
When applying for a green card or seeking admission into the United States, one of the legal hurdles many applicants may face is the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This test evaluates whether someone is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for support. But what exactly does that mean—and what types of public benefits can trigger this issue? In this article, we’ll break down what “public charge” really means, who is affected, what types of public benefits are considered, and what immigrants should be mindful of when making decisions about public programs like Medi-Cal and Medicaid. What Is the Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility? The public charge rule applies to individuals applying for a visa, green card (adjustment of status), or entry into the U.S., unless they fall into an exempt category. Under this rule, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) must determine whether the applicant is likely to become primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. This typically refers to receiving: Public cash assistance for income maintenance (such as SSI or TANF), or Long-term institutional care at government expense. This determination is based on the "totality of circumstances," including age, health, financial resources, education, skills, and whether a sponsor has submitted a valid Affidavit of Support. Who Is Exempt from the Public Charge Rule? Many categories of immigrants are exempt from the public charge ground of inadmissibility. These include: Asylees and refugees Special immigrant juveniles Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) self-petitioners T and U visa applicants Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants Importantly, even if someone later adjusts status through a different pathway that is subject to public charge, any benefits they received while in an exempt category will not be held against them. What Public Benefits Are Not Considered in the Public Charge Test? It is a common and harmful myth that using any public benefit will jeopardize your immigration status. In fact, most non-cash benefits do not count against you in a public charge determination. According to USCIS and DHS guidance, the following types of assistance (current as of July 1, 2025) are not considered: Health-Related Benefits Medi-Cal/Medicaid, except for long-term institutional care Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, including subsidies COVID-19 testing, vaccines, and treatment Community health services, crisis counseling, and short-term shelters Food and Nutrition SNAP (Food Stamps) WIC School meal programs Food banks and emergency food assistance Housing and Energy Emergency shelter Rental assistance (e.g., McKinney-Vento programs) Energy assistance (e.g., LIHEAP) Education and Childcare Public schooling Head Start Childcare subsidies (e.g., CCDF) Educational grants and scholarships Federal Cash and Tax Benefits Earned income tax credit (EITC) Child Tax Credit (CTC) Stimulus checks Unemployment insurance Social Security and veteran’s benefits Disaster and pandemic-related cash aid In short, just because a benefit is public or government-funded doesn’t automatically make it count against you. A Word of Caution About Medi-Cal and Medicaid, in Particular As of today (07/01/2025), standard use of Medi-Cal (California’s version of Medicaid) or Medicaid for most health-related services is not considered in a public charge determination. This includes preventative care, emergency services, pregnancy-related services, and short-term care. However, if Medicaid is used for long-term institutionalization, such as in a nursing home or psychiatric facility, that does count under the public charge test. Despite current guidance, we are seeing political shifts and changes in tone from the current administration that suggest public charge policies may become more restrictive in the future. This includes renewed interest in expanding the types of public benefits that may be considered, particularly around medical assistance. For that reason, we generally recommend that individuals who are applying for adjustment of status, or who may be subject to the public charge ground in the future, avoid enrolling in Medi-Cal or Medicaid at this time, unless absolutely necessary. Final Thoughts Immigration law is complex, and the rules surrounding public charge can feel confusing or even frightening. But it’s important to understand that using most public benefits—especially for food, education, and healthcare—will not automatically jeopardize your green card or visa application. Still, because policy can change quickly, we urge individuals to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for any public assistance—especially healthcare programs like Medi-Cal or Medicaid. If you have questions or concerns about how public benefits might impact your immigration case, our office is here to help. We are committed to providing up-to-date, personalized guidance to keep your immigration journey on track. Disclaimer The information provided herein is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique, and the application of the public charge rule may vary depending on your specific situation. If you believe this topic may apply to you or you need individualized legal guidance, we encourage you to contact one of our highly-qualified legal professionals for a consultation and assistance tailored to your circumstances. Resources: USCIS Public Charge Resources ILRC Medi-Cal and Public Charge Alert (2024) California Medi-Cal Immigrant Eligibility FAQ

EB-2 and EB-3 Green Cards: What Corporate Employees Should Understand

By Shirin Navabi • June 26, 2025
As an immigration law firm, we regularly assist highly skilled professionals working in the U.S. on temporary work visas such as H-1B who are seeking a path to permanent residency. For many of these individuals, the EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green card categories are the most pursued—and frequently misunderstood—routes . While both are viable pathways to permanent residency, they differ in meaningful ways that can significantly impact the timing, eligibility, and overall strategy of your case. The EB-2 category is intended for individuals who either hold an advanced degree or demonstrate exceptional ability in their field . Most applicants qualify by having a master’s degree (or higher), or a bachelor’s degree accompanied by at least five years of progressive experience in their profession. There is also a subcategory within EB-2 known as the National Interest Waiver (NIW), which allows qualified individuals to self-petition without employer sponsorship if their work substantially benefits the United States. This route is especially relevant for researchers, entrepreneurs, and professionals in high national interest or mission-critical fields. In contrast, the EB-3 category includes professionals with a bachelor’s degree as well as skilled workers with at least two years of training or experience . While the educational threshold for EB-3 may appear less rigorous, the process itself is equally structured. One key distinction between EB-2 and EB-3 lies in the requirements of the job being offered, not just the applicant’s own credentials. For example, if a position requires only a bachelor’s degree, even a highly qualified candidate with a master’s degree may still fall under EB-3. Regardless of which category applies, most employment-based green card cases begin with the PERM labor certification process . This is a formal procedure overseen by the U.S. Department of Labor, in which the employer must test the labor market and demonstrate that there are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the position. The employer must also agree to pay the prevailing wage as determined by the Department of Labor. This step is both mandatory and highly detail-sensitive; inaccuracies in the job description, recruitment steps, or wage determination can lead to significant delays or even denials. Once PERM certification is approved, the employer files Form I-140 , the Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This petition confirms that the employee meets the requirements for the offered position under either EB-2 or EB-3, and that the employer is financially capable of providing the job as described. If the employee’s priority date—which is based on the date the PERM was filed—is current according to the Department of State’s Visa Bulletin, the individual may then file Form I-485 to adjust their status to lawful permanent resident. One of the more nuanced aspects of this process involves understanding how priority dates and visa backlogs affect the timeline. For applicants from countries with high demand, such as India or China, significant delays are common—particularly under EB-2. Paradoxically, there are times when the EB-3 category moves faster, prompting some applicants to file a second I-140 under EB-3 while retaining the original priority date. This strategy can be effective but requires careful legal planning to ensure it’s done correctly. Another strategic factor is portability. If your I-485 application has been pending for at least 180 days and your I-140 has been approved, you may be eligible to change employers under the AC21 portability provisions, so long as the new job is in the same or a similar occupational classification. This flexibility can be critical for employees who experience job changes or promotions during the often lengthy green card process. Ultimately, the choice between EB-2 and EB-3 isn’t about prestige —it’s about aligning your qualifications, the job requirements, and your immigration history with current legal standards and market conditions. The right strategy depends not only on your education and experience, but also on your long-term career goals and country of origin. At our firm, we work closely with both employers and employees to develop individualized immigration strategies that streamline the process and avoid unnecessary setbacks. Whether you're a corporate professional evaluating your green card options or an employer preparing to sponsor a key team member, we offer the insight and experience to move your case forward with confidence.

From Guest Chef to Permanent Fixture: Turning O-1 and P-3 Visas into a Culinary Green Card

By Angelica Rice • June 19, 2025
If you've made it to the United States as a culinary professional—perhaps on an O-1B visa that recognizes your extraordinary talent, or a P-3 visa for sharing your rich culinary heritage—congratulations! You’ve already proven yourself as a standout in your craft. But what if we told you that your journey doesn’t have to end when your temporary visa does? In fact, your current status could be the perfect stepping stone to something much more lasting: a green card through the EB-1A category. The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa, designed for individuals with “ extraordinary ability ” in fields such as the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. And yes—culinary arts absolutely count. The key is demonstrating that your skills have risen to the very top of your field. If you've already gone through the O-1 or P-3 process, you're likely well on your way . Here’s the good news: much of the evidence used to obtain your O-1B or P-3 visa can be repurposed for your EB-1A petition . Awards, press features, expert testimonials, and proof of your work in prestigious kitchens or at cultural events—they're all valuable again. But what’s even more exciting is that everything you’ve accomplished while in the U.S. on your temporary visa—whether launching a signature tasting menu, starring in a food documentary, or leading culinary workshops—can now be used to further strengthen your case. According to USCIS, EB-1A applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria unless they’ve received a major internationally recognized award. These criteria include things like published material about your work, original contributions of major significance, high salary, and a critical role in distinguished organizations. For many chefs, especially those who’ve thrived in the U.S. hospitality scene, it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance. What sets the EB-1A apart is that it does not require an employer sponsor . That’s right—you can self-petition! This means your culinary career can be as flexible and entrepreneurial as you want it to be, whether that means opening your own restaurant, expanding into media, or continuing to cook your way into America’s heart. Even better? It can be one of the fastest paths to a green card available. With premium processing, your I-140 petition can be adjudicated within just 15 business days. And if your country’s EB-1 visa category is current on the visa bulletin at the time of approval, you may be eligible to file your green card application immediately. This combination of speed, autonomy, and flexibility makes EB-1A an incredibly attractive next step in your immigration journey. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we love helping creative professionals take their next big step. If you’ve already wowed the world with your cuisine, the EB-1A may be your opportunity to stay and make your mark for good. Contact us today to find out if the EB-1A is the next right step for you!
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