HR 6987 United States House · 119th Congress

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
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2
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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

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