**BREAKING** DHS Restores “Public Charge” Rule***

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has ruled: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may resume implementation of the new Public Charge Rule. USCIS announced on September 22, 2020, that it would apply the rule to all relevant applications or petitions postmarked or submitted electronically on or after February 24, 2020, including pending applications and petitions.

The factors that are considered under the new Public Charge Rule include the applicant’s use of public benefits, employment status and history of employment in the U.S., among others.

The policy had been blocked in July by a federal judge in New York because of the "irreparable harm" it would cause to virus control efforts.