The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a proposal that would broaden the grounds upon which authorities can deny a petition to adjust immigration status or extend a stay on the basis that an alien is, or is likely to, become a “public charge.” If finalized as drafted, the regulation will make it easier for immigration authorities to make a finding that an alien is ineligible for “status adjustment” as a public charge.
While this change would likely have some limited direct impact on employers who try to extend the status of work-authorized aliens, such as H-1B visa holders, its impact is likely to be most sharply felt by alien workers seeking to sponsor a spouse or other family member’s admission to the United States.
USCIS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule until December 10, 2018.
Members of the Center for Workplace Compliance (CWC) can read more here.