Public Charge Final Rule: What Advocates Need to Know

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), published a new rule regarding public charge determinations, which will negatively impact certain older immigrants and their families. Public charge determinations are relevant for people seeking admission into the United States and people seeking to adjust their immigration status to Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR), also known as "green card" holders. The new rule enables immigration officers to consider a wide variety of factors when determining if someone may depend on the government as their main source of support in the future. The new rule takes effect September 18, 2026.

In this webinar, Public Charge Final Rule: What Advocates Need to Know, presenters will provide an overview of the new public charge rule, including what has changed from the previous rule, and provide advocates with resources to stay up-to-date on public charge changes. This webinar will be most important for legal and aging services providers who work with older immigrants and immigrants with disabilities on public benefits issues or immigration-related matters.

After attending this presentation, participants will:

• Understand the federal laws and new regulation on the public charge grounds of inadmissibility and to whom and when public charge applies;
• Gain practical strategies on how to advise older immigrant clients who may have questions about public charge determinations and use of benefits; and
• Access resources to learn more about public charge as the new rule is implemented.

Background Information for Attendees:

• PIF Coalition, Public Charge Toolkit
• Justice in Aging, Statement on Public Charge

This webinar will take place on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. PT/2:00 p.m. ET and will run for 60 minutes.