On August 14, 2019, DHS published a final rule on the public charge ground of inadmissibility. The final rule becomes effective October 15, 2019.

To implement the final rule, USCIS developed several new forms and announced that it will not accept current versions of Forms I-485, I-129, I-539, I-864, and I-864EZ, if postmarked on or after October 15, 2019. New forms that must be used on or after October 15, 2019 were published on October 9, 2019, only a few days before the deadline.

Multiple federal lawsuits have been filed to stop this rapid shift to new forms without notice. We are following the situation carefully, and will evaluate the situation next week to assess impact to our current clients. For more information see the press release from AILA.