1. What is the Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin?

The Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin is a regulation put in place by the United States Department of Homeland Security that enables the federal government to assess whether a non-citizen applying for an immigration benefit or visa has been or is likely to become a public charge. The rule requires potential immigrants to demonstrate they have the means to support themselves financially or will receive support from an eligible sponsor. The rule also limits access to public benefits for some non-citizens, including food and nutrition assistance programs, Medicaid, and certain housing programs.

2. How do I determine if I am subject to the Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin?

If you are applying for a visa, green card, or other form of lawful permanent residency in Wisconsin, you may be subject to the Public Charge Rule. In order to determine if you are subject to the Public Charge Rule, you must fill out the Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency. This form includes questions about your family size, financial resources and health insurance coverage. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use this information to determine if you are likely to become a public charge.

3. What documents are needed to prove that I am not a Public Charge in Wisconsin?

In order to prove that you are not a public charge in Wisconsin, you will need to provide documents such as proof of income, proof of employment, proof of assets, proof of health insurance coverage, proof of other public benefits received, documents from community or charity organizations that provide evidence of financial support, and a statement from your sponsor (if applicable).

4. How does the Public Charge Rule affect immigrants who apply for permanent residency in Wisconsin?

The Public Charge Rule affects immigrants who apply for permanent residency in Wisconsin by making it more difficult to obtain permanent residency if they are likely to become “public charges” — meaning they are likely to use certain public benefits, such as cash assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or housing assistance. The rule also requires applicants to pass a “Public Charge Test” in order to be eligible for a green card. This test assesses the applicant’s health, age, level of education, income, and assets to determine if they are likely to become a public charge.

5. Are there any exceptions to the Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin?

Yes. The following categories are exempt from the Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin:

-Veterans and their families
-Asylees and refugees
-Certain categories of nonimmigrants (such as students, religious workers, diplomats)
-Victims of domestic violence
-Certain survivors of human trafficking
-Children under 21 years of age and pregnant women
-Individuals participating in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

6. Are public benefits considered when determining a person’s status as a Public Charge in Wisconsin?

No, public benefits are not considered when determining a person’s status as a public charge in Wisconsin.

7. Is an Affidavit of Support required for individuals applying for permanent residency in Wisconsin?

No, an Affidavit of Support is not required for individuals applying for permanent residency in Wisconsin. However, these individuals may need to provide evidence of financial support in the form of bank statements, tax returns, or other financial documents.

8. What is an Affidavit of Support and how does it relate to the Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin?

An Affidavit of Support is a form used by U.S. citizens or permanent residents to sponsor an immigrant in the U.S. The Affidavit of Support confirms the sponsor’s income and assets and pledges to financially support the immigrant if necessary. The Public Charge Rule in Wisconsin states that immigrants can be denied entry into the U.S. or have their legal status revoked if they are deemed likely to depend on government assistance. If an Affidavit of Support is presented, it may help to demonstrate that the immigrant has support and will not be dependent on government assistance.

9. What evidence and documents must be provided by the sponsor on an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

The sponsor must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources including income and/or assets to support the person being sponsored. This may include copies of tax returns, bank statements, and paycheck stubs. The sponsor must also provide proof of identification with a valid government-issued ID such as a driver’s license or passport. The sponsor will need to sign the form in front of a notary and provide signature documentation.

10. How does an Affidavit of Support protect an individual from being considered a Public Charge in Wisconsin?

An Affidavit of Support protects an individual from being considered a Public Charge in Wisconsin by providing evidence that the individual has adequate financial support to cover their basic needs. This evidence may include income from a job, assets, and/or the support of another person or family member. The Affidavit of Support is typically used in conjunction with other evidence such as copies of bank statements, pay stubs, and tax returns.

11. What is the minimum income requirement for sponsors on an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

The minimum income requirement for sponsors on an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin is determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The sponsor must show that they have the financial resources to support the affiant at 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

12. Which family members are eligible to be sponsors on an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the family members eligible to sponsor an Affidavit of Support are the sponsor’s spouse, parents, children, and siblings.

13. How does an individual’s age, health, family size, and assets affect their eligibility for an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, the individual’s age, health, family size, and assets may affect their eligibility for an Affidavit of Support.

Age – To be eligible for an Affidavit of Support, the individual must be at least 18 years old.

Health – The individual’s physical and mental health can be taken into consideration when determining eligibility.

Family Size – The size of the applicant’s family will be taken into account when determining their eligibility for an Affidavit of Support.

Assets – The individual must have enough assets to cover the costs associated with supporting their family. This includes income, savings, investments, and other forms of wealth.

14. What is the time period for which a sponsor’s financial responsibility on an Affidavit of Support is valid in Wisconsin?

The sponsorship obligation is permanent and does not expire.

15. Can an individual be denied permanent residency due to an inadequate Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

Yes, an individual can be denied permanent residency due to an inadequate Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires all sponsoring individuals to complete an Affidavit of Support form that documents their financial ability to support the sponsored immigrant. If the document is incomplete or insufficient, USCIS may deny the application for permanent residency.

16. What is the penalty for providing false information on an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, providing false information on an Affidavit of Support is a Class H felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.

17. Are there any alternatives to the Affidavit of Support for individuals applying for permanent residency in Wisconsin?

Yes, there are several alternatives to the Affidavit of Support. These include the I-864A, an Affidavit of Support from a Third Party, or the I-134. All of these alternatives can be used to demonstrate to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that the applicant has an adequate support system in place.

18. How long does it take for USCIS to process an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

The length of time for USCIS to process an Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin depends on several factors, including the type of form being filed, the complexity of the case, and the workload of the local office. In general, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for USCIS to process an Affidavit of Support.

19. How can I find out if my Affidavit of Support has been approved by USCIS in Wisconsin?

You can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Wisconsin directly to inquire about the status of your Affidavit of Support. You can find your local USCIS office’s contact information using the USCIS Office Locator: https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-offices.

20. What resources are available for individuals seeking assistance with the Public Charge Rule and Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin?

For individuals seeking assistance with the Public Charge Rule and Affidavit of Support in Wisconsin, the following resources are available:

• Wisconsin Department of Health Services – This government agency provides information about the public charge rule in Wisconsin, including eligibility and application requirements. It also offers resources to help individuals complete an affidavit of support.

• Legal Action of Wisconsin – This organization provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in Wisconsin. It can help with filling out the public charge rule forms and can provide other advice on immigration matters.

• Catholic Charities of Milwaukee – Catholic Charities provides free legal assistance to low-income immigrants in Wisconsin. It can provide help with filling out public charge forms and other immigration paperwork.

• Immigrants and Refugees Rights Coalition – The Immigrants and Refugees Rights Coalition offers resources for immigrants in Wisconsin, including information on the public charge rule and how to fill out an affidavit of support.

• Wisconsin Council on Refugee & Immigrant Services – The Wisconsin Council on Refugee & Immigrant Services provides information about the public charge rule and assistance with completing an affidavit of support.