Are You an Immigrant Receiving SNAP or Medicaid? You Could Lose Access to Your Visa

The DHS proposes expanding the “public charge” rule.

The measure would impact residency applications and use of benefits.

A 30-day public comment period opens before a final decision.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a proposal to roll back protections created in 2022 and once again consider the use of public benefits as a factor in immigration applications.

The measure would affect those seeking to obtain or maintain permanent residency, generating concern in immigrant communities.

Although the change remains in the preliminary stage, the debate already centers on access to essential services, economic stability and increased uncertainty around future immigration processes.

Use of SNAP, Medicaid and other government benefits and the public charge proposal

DHS aims to repeal the 2022 regulation, arguing that it limits the agency’s ability to determine whether someone may become a public charge.

Under this new vision, receiving government benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid or Medicare could once again be considered relevant when evaluating certain immigration applications.

In this video, attorney Jesús Reyes explains the DHS proposal to revive and strengthen the public charge rule—a policy that could affect immigrants applying for permanent residency if they receive public benefits for extended periods. pic.twitter.com/KqFLXZkRxY

— Jesus Reyes Esq. (@jesusreyeslaw) November 19, 2025

This marks a significant shift from current protections.

The public charge rule, part of the Immigration and Nationality Act, has historically been used to deny status adjustments to those who rely heavily on government support.

Advocacy organizations warn that returning to broader criteria could instill fear in immigrants who depend on essential health and nutrition services.

How it could influence green card decisions

If approved, public charge criteria could influence decisions regarding green cards and permanent residency in the United States.

This raises concerns among millions of families who legally use permitted benefits but fear jeopardizing their immigration stability.

In the past, similar regulations led thousands to skip medical appointments, avoid renewing benefits or exit nutrition programs for children due to concerns about how such actions might be interpreted in their immigration cases.

For the Latino community—where a large share consists of lawful immigrants—this uncertainty affects everyday decisions and household economic security.

Impact on the Latino community

The proposal could change how Latino immigrants access basic services.

Many households rely on Medicaid or SNAP to cover essential needs while stabilizing their income, and the public charge rule would change the way they access these benefits.

Even though nothing has changed yet, the announcement creates confusion among families trying to follow immigration requirements.

Public perception of risk can also lead eligible individuals to avoid crucial benefits, limiting access to healthcare, food security and overall well-being—even though the law still allows them to receive these services without direct consequences.

What the official text says

According to the DHS document, the repeal would “restore greater discretion to evaluate all relevant facts” and align policy with principles of self-sufficiency.

The proposal also includes reviewing the use, violation and cancellation of public charge bonds.

What’s next

The process is in its early phase: the government has opened a 30-day public comment period.

After that, officials will decide whether to implement the regulation, modify it or withdraw it entirely.

For now, there are no changes to benefit access or immigration criteria for US residency.

However, if the proposal moves forward, the rules could become stricter and significantly change how immigrants use support programs in the future.