S.3602

Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026 amends immigration law to redefine "public charge" and establish new requirements for affidavits of support.

The Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to redefine "public charge" as an alien who receives public benefits for more than 12 months within any 36-month period. It mandates that consular officers and the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services require a public charge bond of at least $10,000 for aliens likely to become a public charge. Affidavits of support must include evidence of the sponsor's ability to financially support the alien and their household at an annual income of at least 125 percent of the Federal poverty line.