Definition
Public Charge
A ground of inadmissibility for applicants likely to depend on government assistance.
INA §212(a)(4) makes a noncitizen inadmissible if they are likely to become a public charge. Current rules focus on cash assistance and long-term institutional care, not most non-cash benefits. The I-864 Affidavit of Support is the primary tool for overcoming the public charge concern.
See also
More immigration terms
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REAL ID
A federal identification standard for state-issued IDs used to board domestic flights.
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Reentry Permit
A travel document allowing an LPR to remain abroad for up to 2 years without losing status.
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Refugee
A person granted protection from outside the U.S. before entering.
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Removal Proceedings
Immigration court hearings to determine whether a noncitizen must leave the U.S.
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RFE
Request for Evidence — USCIS letter asking for more documents before deciding.
Not legal advice. Definitions are provided for educational use. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney.