With less than one week until USCIS implements the new Public Charge requirements, the agency has finally taken the step of making available online the form I-944 ‘Declaration of Self-Sufficiency’ that will be required of most applicants for Adjustment of Status in the United States.

Predictably, the form requests substantial personal financial information from all applicants and household members who reside with the applicant, such as previous receipt of public benefits, credit scores, personal assets and liabilities, and career and educational background information.  The form is 18 pages in length and requires voluminous supporting documentation be attached so that USCIS can undertake a thorough analysis, on evidence provided by applicants, of that applicant’s liklihood under a ‘totality of circumstances’ to become a Public Charge in the United States.

This is a burdensome new requirement on immigrants, to be sure.  We are in the very early phases of implementation of the new Public Charge rule.  For even seasoned immigration attorneys (such as yours truly) it will take months to discern agency adjudicatory interpretation of the rule, including applicant strengths, weaknesses and critical areas of focus to demonstrate qualification under the new, stricter standard.

Forms I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence, I-864 Affidavit of Support, I-864A Contract with Household Member and I-539/A Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status have been updated as well.  All new Affidavit of Support and Adjustment of Status forms, including the I-944 Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, will be required with Adjustment of Status applications filed on or after October 15, 2019.