Public Charge Rule to Take Effect Feb. 24

Codes and Standards
Published

The Trump Administration’s Public Charge rule, which NAHB fears could impede legal immigration at a time when the residential construction industry is facing a significant labor shortage, is set to take effect on Feb. 24.

The rule was previously on hold after several courts delayed its implementation, but the Supreme Court lifted these stays on Jan. 27. As a result, the rule will commence on Feb. 24 throughout the United States except in Illinois, where a separate court injunction still stands.

Once the rule is enacted, NAHB members with immigrant employees who are seeking permanent residency, a visa change, or extension, or any other change in their immigration status may experience a major increase in paperwork obligations and should expect significant processing delays as the rule’s more onerous requirements are implemented.

Finalized last year, the rule expands the definition of who is considered a “public charge” to include immigrants receiving government assistance through a variety of programs, including housing assistance and food stamps.

The rule’s provisions apply to foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the U.S. and to nonimmigrant workers seeking to extend their stay or to change their visa status. The Department of State is seeking expedited rulemaking aimed at making the same “public charge” definition at consulates abroad.

More specific information for employers can be found here.

For more information contact Amy Chai at 800-368-5242 x8232.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Economics

Oct 08, 2025

How Do Median Square-Foot Prices Differ by Region?

Median square-foot prices for new single-family detached homes started in 2024 grew modestly, according to NAHB’s analysis of the latest Survey of Construction data. See how they differ by region.

Member Benefits | Membership

Oct 07, 2025

Tax Incentives That Multiply the Benefits of NAHB's Vehicle Savings Programs

Combining the benefits of Section 179 tax deductions with the discounts offered through the NAHB Member Savings Program can be a game-changer for business owners.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Oct 07, 2025

Minority-Owned Residential Building Firms Continue to Rise

The share of minority-owned new residential builders and remodelers has more than doubled since the Great Recession, with noticeable gains from 2017 to 2022. Nevertheless, when compared to the overall U.S. population, minority-owned firms continue to be underrepresented within both housing sectors.

Economics

Oct 06, 2025

Shorter Apartment Construction Time in 2024

The average time needed to complete construction of a multifamily building after obtaining authorization edged down in 2024, according to the 2024 Survey of Construction (SOC) from the Census Bureau. On average, it took 19.6 months from permit to completion, about 0.3 months shorter than in 2023.

Economics

Oct 03, 2025

Supply-Side Cost Pressures Drove Housing as Inflation Leader in 2024

Though the rate of inflation peaked in June 2022, consumer prices continued to increase throughout 2023 and 2024 as inflation drove further price growth, according to 2024 CPI review from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.