A new “public charge” rule took effect on February 24, 2020. This rule changes how wealth, health, workforce skills, and the use of certain public benefits may affect some immigration applications.

Few people who are subject to the public charge test qualify for public programs covered by the regulation, but the regulation’s expanded criteria, including age, credit score, and disability, are already spreading fear among immigrant communities and turning many people away from critical services, threatening the health, nutrition, and housing of millions of families, a significant portion of whom call Florida home.