Photo: CIS

Let’s clear up the hysteria surrounding this public charge rule.

It:

1. Doesn’t apply to those who have green cards
2. Doesn’t consider benefits received for US-born children
3. Is in fact centuries old
4. Exempts emergency medical care

“And contrary to the “attack on immigrant families” malarkey, the rule is narrower than it could be. It applies only to people applying for green cards, not to people who already have green cards and apply for citizenship. It doesn’t consider benefits received on behalf of U.S.–born children, or the school-lunch program, or the Earned Income Tax Credit, or emergency medical care, or disaster assistance. It also doesn’t necessarily apply to one-time receipt of a welfare benefit, but sets dollar-amount or duration thresholds, below which the public-charge rule wouldn’t apply. And refugees and asylum recipients, among others, are exempt altogether.”

Here, from CIS Executive Director Mark Krikorian, on NRO.