Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026

This bill would change federal immigration law to define a "public charge" as a noncitizen who receives one or more public benefits, such as SNAP, Medicaid, housing aid, or cash assistance, for more than 12 months total within any 36-month period. Noncitizens judged likely to meet that definition could be denied a visa, admission, or a green card, with exemptions for refugees, asylees, and members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. It would bar waivers unless Congress authorizes them, require sponsors' affidavits of support to show income of at least 125 percent of the federal poverty line, and require bonds of at least $10,000 in some cases. The Department of Homeland Security would publish a list of covered benefits, and the changes would apply to pending and new applications starting 180 days after enactment.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Troy E. Nehls Republican sponsor
• 12 cosponsors