Q: Naturalization and public charge
I’ve been a lawful permanent resident since 2002. I’m planning to apply for naturalization in 2022. I’m concerned whether or not receiving MFTE housing assistance would affect my naturalization eligibility if the proposed immigration laws regarding public charge change under current administration. Thank you.
A: There is generally no public charge bar to naturalization. And, housing benefits are specifically listed as not being categorized as evidence of public charge on the USCIS website (uscis.gov). That said, it is always a good idea to avoid receiving anything that may appear to public assistance for purposes of any immigration benefit. With regard to this administration, there is a push to eliminate the ability to obtain lawful permanent resident status and even US citizenship if there is any member of the household receiving public charge benefits. It is impossible to know if this will become a new policy of the US, but I would wary of taking public benefits of any kind.
A: Those changes affect those applying for permanent residence, not citizenship.
A: It’s a hard case to make. The burden is on them to show that at the end of temporary travel they will return to Brazil. They have to show they have strong connections there.
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