Opinion ID: 691011
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The INS' May 1, 1987 Public Charge Regulations.

Text: 9 Pursuant to these provisions, the INS promulgated final regulations on May 1, 1987, 52 Fed.Reg. 16,205 et seq. (1987) (codified as amended at 8 C.F.R. Sec. 245a (1992)). The INS broke the statutory amnesty scheme down into three parts. First, the agency's Proof of financial responsibility regulation mirrored the statutory language by providing that [a]n applicant for adjustment of status ... [is] likely to become [a] public charge[ ] unless the applicant demonstrates a history of employment in the United States evidencing self-support without receipt of public cash assistance. 52 Fed.Reg. 16,211 (1987) (codified as amended at 8 C.F.R. Sec. 245a.2(d)(4) (1992)). 1 Integral to this provision was the regulation's definition of public cash assistance as income or needs-based monetary assistance ... received by the alien or his or her immediate family members through federal, state or local programs designed to meet subsistence levels. 52 Fed.Reg. 16,209 (1987) (codified as amended at 8 C.F.R. Sec. 245a.1(i) (1992)). 2 The third element, entitled Special Rule for Determination of Public Charge (the regulatory special rule) provided in relevant part that [a]n alien who has a consistent employment history which shows the ability to support himself and his or her family ... may be admissible through a discretionary waiver from the Attorney General. 52 Fed.Reg. 16,212 (1987) (codified as amended at 8 C.F.R. Sec. 245a.2(k)(4) (1992)). 3 10