The Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and the U.S. Department of State (“DOS”) have recently implemented a new rule that is anticipated to affect a substantial number of green card and visa applicants. The so-called “Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds” rule allows immigration officers to deny an applicant based on a determination that the applicant is likely to become a “public charge” after admission to the United States or adjustment of status to that of a legal permanent resident. Specifically, an applicant may be found “inadmissible” if, in the discretion of a reviewing officer, he or she is likely to receive public housing, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, or other government benefits for more than 12 months in any 36-month period. To understand how this rule might impact your application, it is advisable to seek guidance from an experienced immigration lawyer. The rule applies to petitions and applications filed or postmarked on or after February 24, 2020.