Form I-944: The Complete Guide (Free)

What Is Form I-944?

The complex field of immigration law just got a bit more complicated with the debate around the Public Charge rule and the corresponding I-944 Form. On September 21, 2018, the Department of Homeland Security introduced one of the most significant changes to the “public charge” rule in almost 20 years. The suggested guidelines will decrease the number of immigrants admissible to the U.S. or the amount of those who can have their stay extended due to a potential inability to support themselves. 

This change was expected to go into effect on October 15, 2019. However, several parties objected and/or issued injunctions that delayed the initial implementation of the change. One such party is Judge George B. Daniels of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Judge Daniels filed a preliminary injunction which has blocked the changes to the public charge rule from going into effect. 

Starting February 24, 2020, the rule went into effect. But there is one additional change. As long as the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) is in effect, blocking the DHS and the DOS from implementing the rule during the COVID-19 pandemic, USCIS will apply the 1999 guidance that was in place before the new rule was implemented. In other words, the condition of the public benefits will not be applied.

As proposed, the changes to the Public Charge Rule and the new Form I-944 will change what is required of many hopeful immigrants. Although most individuals who will be required to submit this document are accustomed to jumping through hoops, this lengthy application to gain permanent residence would best be explained by a qualified immigration attorney, such as those from Manji Law. 

I-944 Declaration of Self Sufficiency

The I-944 Declaration of Self Sufficiency form shows that an entering or remaining individual is not likely to become one requiring public assistance. Those requesting Immigration Services from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and anyone using the adjustment of status to apply for a green card within the United States may be required to prove that they will not burden the American taxpayers through a credit report.

I-944 Declaration of Self Sufficiency: Latest News

As immigration laws continue to evolve, individuals worldwide with dreams of becoming U.S. citizens or permanent residents have been anticipating the latest information regarding “public charge” guidelines. In a 5-4 vote early in 2020, the Supreme Court passed a ruling that allows the Trump administration to make it more difficult for low-income would-be immigrants to come to or remain in the U.S.

The phrase “public charge” was coined in the summer of 2019 when the Director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli quipped: “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge,” as a variation of the poem found on the Statue of Liberty.

Where previous restrictions only included cash benefits like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and Supplemental Security Income from Social Security, the new rule expands to include anyone who is expected to require financial status aid from the government or public benefit granting agency with other retirement benefits. This affects any individuals who may require public assistance, such as Medicaid, food stamps, or housing vouchers.

Although the Trump administration’s immigration policies have met serious opposition, with the recent order, the rule automatically went into effect in nearly every state as of February 24, 2020, unless there is an appeal. This poses long-reaching consequences affecting individuals seeking lawful permanent U.S. status worldwide.

Form I-944 Recent Information

After the 2019 injunction and delay in this rule going into effect, the new variation of the USCIS Form I-944 was released. A copy can be viewed or downloaded to edit from the USCIS website here. This is a 19-page application that requires a variety of data. The applicant should provide information like the following:

• Age, marital status, and other personal information
• Household information, including a relationship with every household member
• Health information with insurance card details with your name and the effective and expiration dates
• Family status and employment history
• Property and assets of each family member
• Earnings of all household members
• Credit rating with supporting evidence
• Information regarding liabilities
• Information regarding public benefits
• Occupational and Education information, etc.

The USCIS officials will use that information to make sure applicants can support themselves and to determine whether they might be using public benefits in the future as per the federal poverty guidelines. If they decide that an applicant is likely to be using government-funded benefits or non-cash benefits, his or her green card application can be denied.

Contact an Atlanta immigration lawyer for the latest information and assistance filling out forms like the I-944 and I-765 (typically known as the work permit application).

What Is the Processing Time for the Form I-944 USCIS?

When processing your form I-944 USCIS, officials will take a look at all the facts, such as the candidate’s age, health, household info, possessions that they have, monetary status, level of education, and so on to determine eligibility.

If they determine that you are eligible and able to support yourself and if you meet other requirements, you will probably receive your green card in about 10-13 months after filing your documents. There are currently no filing fees for your green card application or change of status application. However, you will have to pay expenses to obtain the required documents.

When completing a form like a form I-944 USCIS or dealing with any USCIS Atlanta issue, it can be helpful to have an attorney by your side. Experienced lawyers like those at Manji Law know what it takes to get legal status in the U.S. and will advocate for you and your family and advise you on challenges such as public charges or adjustment of status.

Experienced Attorneys Can Provide the Latest Information on USCIS Form I-944

Contact Manji Law to navigate the current changing rules regarding the USCIS Form I-944, public charge, or adjustment of status. As this is a new ordinance, it is less likely for an average individual to find the most current information in an easy-to-understand format online. Plus, with as detailed as it is, it may require that extra help a qualified professional can provide.