Comments open on public charge rule that denied visas based on income, benefits

The Department of State is opening public comments on how they should change the rules used at consulates to decide whether to deny people visas to enter the United States because they are low income or have family members who used public benefits.

Those rules, which were changed in 2018, kept out people like José Ruiz Arévalos, who was refused a green card at his consulate interview and has been separated from his family for more than two years. The separation affected his children and their plans for college.

In March, the State Department restored the public charge policy in place before 2018. They are now opening public comment to decide whether and how to change it moving forward.

The comment period will be open for 60 days beginning Wednesday.