Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026
This bill clarifies and expands the definition of "public charge" for immigration purposes, affecting non-citizens applying for visas, admission, or adjustment of status. It defines a public charge as someone receiving certain government benefits (including SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, and income support programs) for more than 12 months within any 36-month period. The determination considers factors like age, health, assets, education, and family status in a holistic assessment, while exempting refugees, asylees, and military dependents. The bill requires the government to publish a comprehensive list of covered benefits within 180 days of enactment.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
President
Introduced Jan 8, 2026
Last action Jan 8, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
2
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 8, 2026
Committee
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
lower
Jan 8, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Troy E. Nehls
RRepublican
Co
Barry Moore
RRepublican
Co
Brandon Gill
RRepublican
Co
Brian Babin
RRepublican
Co
Chip Roy
RRepublican
Co
Glenn Grothman
RRepublican
Co
Mark Harris
RRepublican
Co
Paul A. Gosar
RRepublican
Co
Randy K. Weber, Sr.
RRepublican
Co
Ronny Jackson
RRepublican
Co
Russell Fry
RRepublican
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