NILC Statement on Trump’s New Attempt to Resurrect Harmful “Public Charge” Wealth Test

Nov 17, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2025  

CONTACT
Email: [email protected]
Adrian Escárate, 202-609-9976   
Emily Morris, 213-457-7458      

NILC Statement on Trump’s New Attempt to Resurrect Harmful “Public Charge” Wealth Test

WASHINGTON — Kica Matos, president of the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s proposed “public charge” rule:  

“The Trump administration’s regressive plan to reinstate an outdated public charge wealth test is yet another attack designed to sow fear and confusion in immigrant communities. Trump’s obsession with public charge is horribly consistent with his vision to remake the U.S. into a country where only the white and wealthy belong and can get ahead. At a time when too many American families are going hungry, this latest Trump effort to further privilege the rich would not only take our country backward, but also puts at risk our collective health and well-being. NILC will fight to defeat Trump’s new public charge scheme, just as we did during his first term.” 

### 

 

Related
Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)

Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California (Table)

Updated Jul 21, 2026 This table lists the programs for which certain immigrants residing in California are eligible. Originally published in May 2017.

NILC Responds to Trump’s Cruel ‘Public Charge’ Rule Change

NILC Responds to Trump’s Cruel ‘Public Charge’ Rule Change

Published Jul 16, 2026 Sarah Krieger, senior policy counsel at the National Immigration Law Center, issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration's finalized “public charge”...

Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants are Losing Health Care and Food Aid, Thanks to Congress

Hundreds of Thousands of Immigrants are Losing Health Care and Food Aid, Thanks to Congress

Ben D’Avanzo and Yarely Martinez-Lopez

Published Jul 15, 2026 A year after H.R. 1 passed, hundreds of thousands of immigrants are likely to lose essential food and health care aid, following the bill’s new restrictions on their eligibility for SNAP, Medicaid, subsidized care on the Affordable Care Act...

Tell USCIS You Don’t Want Increased Immigrant Surveillance

Tell USCIS You Don’t Want Increased Immigrant Surveillance

Sarah Krieger

Published Jun 10, 2026 Updating an address should not require people to share unrelated personal and financial information with the federal government. Public comment is open until July 6 to oppose the change to Form...