Public Charge Rule to Take Effect Feb. 24
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.
Latest from NAHBNow
Jul 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Retreats in JuneAfter a strong rebound in May, consumer confidence resumed its downward trend in June. Consumers remain concerned about the economy and labor market amid ongoing uncertainty, especially around tariffs.
Jul 02, 2025
5 Proven Strategies Smart Builders Use to Grow in Any MarketSound Capital has worked with builders across market cycles for over 20 years. They have seen who thrived when others pulled back, and they've studied the strategies they used to scale while competitors were sidelined. Here are five things they all had in common.
Latest Economic News
Jul 03, 2025
Solid Job Growth in JuneThe U.S. labor market continued to show resilience in June, with steady job gains led by state/local government and health care sectors.
Jul 02, 2025
Two or More Story Home Starts Rebound in 2024Over half of new single-family homes built in 2024 were two or more stories, according the recent release of the Census Bureau’s Survey of Construction (SOC). After declining in 2023, the share of homes started with two or more stories increased again in 2024, continuing the upward trend in place since 2020.
Jul 01, 2025
May Private Residential Construction Spending DipsPrivate residential construction spending fell by 0.5% in May, marking the fifth straight month of decreases. This drop was primarily driven by reduced spending on single-family construction. Compared to a year ago, total spending was down 6.7%, as the housing sector continues to navigate the economic uncertainty stemming from ongoing tariff concerns and elevated mortgage rates.