Public Charge/Benefits
As a nonimmigrant (F, J, H, O, E or TN), you are obliged to show that education and living expenses can be met while you are in the U.S. – including the living costs of your dependents (children and spouse), so as not to be considered a “public charge” or public burden.
Risks of Accepting Public Benefits
Accepting taxpayer public benefits, such as Medicaid, or broadly any federal or state program and cash assistance programs, food stamps or government housing, signifies to immigration officials that you cannot meet this obligation to support yourself or your dependents. If you rely upon certain designated public services for subsistence, you jeopardize your legal status, future visa applications, change of status applications and entry into the U.S. This may lead to a denial of entry to the U.S. or other benefits if it is determined that you may become dependent on U.S. government services, “at any time” in the future.
Some of the public benefits currently allow international students and scholars to use them and this can often create confusion. While some social services are indeed made available to internationals, accepting them may make you vulnerable to a public charge determination and the resulting adverse consequences. It is also important to remember that agencies like the Department of Homeland Security cooperate with social service agencies and will be able to obtain information on those who have availed themselves of these services.