Road to US green card gets tougher; public charge scrutiny to begin Sept 18

Indian nationals waiting for employment-based green cards could face broader scrutiny from Sept 18, when new US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) guidance on ‘public charge’ takes effect.A public charge determination can result in a green card application being denied if USCIS finds that an applicant is likely to become dependent on government assistance. The change is particularly relevant to those who have spent years in the employment-based green card backlog and are preparing to file Form I-485 for adjustment of status to permanent residence (aka green card).The new guidance changes how USCIS officers will assess whether an applicant is likely to become a public charge. Officers will consider the totality of an applicant’s circumstances, including age, health, family status, assets and financial resources, education and skills, as well as other relevant factors.