National Immigration Law Center Responds to Biden Administration’s Petition to Drop Appeal in “Public Charge” Immigrant Wealth Test Cases

Mar 9, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 9, 2021

CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, [email protected], 213-375-3149

National Immigration Law Center Responds to Biden Administration’s Petition to Drop Appeal in “Public Charge” Immigrant Wealth Test Cases

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration today agreed to withdraw the federal government’s appeals before the U.S. Supreme Court to hear cases challenging the previous administration’s “public charge” rule.

Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement:

“Today’s actions by the Biden administration pave the way for ending President Trump’s dangerous and racist public charge wealth test. For the last four years, the National Immigration Law Center and diverse allies across the nation in the Protecting Immigrant Families coalition have fought back against this cruel policy that threatened the health, nutrition, and housing of millions of families. It is dangerous to the health and well-being of our nation and has impeded our ability to fully recover from the pandemic.

“Ending the public charge wealth test is an important step forward to build back trust within our immigrant communities, particularly in light of the pandemic. The Biden administration clearly recognizes that, now more than ever, we must ensure that everyone in this country has the freedom to thrive. We will continue our work alongside our plaintiffs and partners to ensure that everyone — regardless of who we are or where we’re from — has access to the health care and economic relief we need. Our collective health and well-being depends on all of us being healthy and feeling safe and free to seek the health care and other vital services our families need.”

###

Related
resource

Does the Public Charge Test Apply to Me?

Published Nov 3, 2026 This resource is a guide to help immigrants and their families figure out whether the public charge test applies to them, and where to find trusted legal help before giving up any important...

resource

Public Charge: What You Need to Know

Published Nov 3, 2026 This resource explains the 2026 public charge policy, including who it applies to, why people shouldn't stop using benefits without legal advice, and where to find free or low-cost immigration legal...

resource

Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)

Updated Oct 15, 2026 This table provides an overview of immigrant eligibility for the major federal public assistance programs. Originally published in November 2015.

resource

Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)

Updated Oct 15, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.