USCIS Publishes New Versions of Forms, including Form I-944 (effective 10/15/2019); AILA Files Lawsuit to Allow for Smooth Transition
October 10, 2019
Yesterday, the USCIS published the new editions of the following forms on their website:
- Form I-485
- Form I-129
- Form I-539
- Form I-864 and Form I-864EZ
- Form I-944
These new forms are scheduled to take effect October 15 and will be accepted only if postmarked on or after that date. Because October 14 is a federal holiday, and the US Postal Service will be closed, the last business day to file cases using the old forms is Friday, October 11.
The Form I-944, Declaration of Self-Sufficiency, must be submitted in conjunction with Form I-485 as of October 15, per the public charge final rule published August 14, 2019. The Form I-944 is 18 pages long, and requires many details not previously required, such as household income, assets, credit scores, health insurance and whether any individuals have received public benefits.
The revised other forms also require information about public benefits, pursuant to the new public charge rule.
USCIS's failure to publish these revised and new forms earlier has provided little advance notice for employers, attorneys and applicants to prepare.
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has filed a lawsuit to allow for a workable transition. More information about the public charge rule with links to resources has been prepared by the Protecting Immigrant Families Campaign.
