US public charge rule exempts 20+ migrant categories from Sept 18

A new US public charge rule effective September 18, 2026, exempts over 20 categories of foreigners—including asylum seekers, refugees, and trafficking victims—from the public charge test for permanent residence. The change marks a policy shift in immigration enforcement, though implementation details and political reactions remain uncertain. This matters as it affects immigration flows and could influence labor markets and social policy debates.