The public-charge rule is a federal immigration policy used to determine whether a person applying for a visa or lawful permanent residency is likely to become primarily dependent on government assistance. The rule has changed multiple times across administrations, so journalists should specify which version is in effect at the time of reporting and cite official sources. Reporters should avoid implying that all public benefit use triggers a public charge determination; only certain benefits and circumstances are considered. When covering the policy, include context about who is affected, who is exempt (such as refugees and asylum seekers), and how fear or misinformation may influence immigrant communities’ access to health and social services.
