Pubic Charge & The Corona Virus Stimulus Checks

The Corona virus stimulus check is not considered a public charge under the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services’ new rules that rolled out in February. The check is actually a 2020 tax credit paid in advance, and thus does not fall under any benefit category in the public charge rule. Unemployment is also not considered a public charge.

Legal permanent residents, work visa holders, DACA recipients and more must meet non-immigrant requirements in order to receive the check, such as making less than $75,000 (doubled if married), have filed taxes for 2018 and 2019 as well as not be a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

Despite paying taxes and making up a sizable percentage of the workforce, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for the stimulus check or unemployment benefits.