The Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026 aims to update and clarify the rules surrounding the term "public charge" in immigration law. The main goal is to ensure that immigrants are self-sufficient and do not rely on government assistance, thereby protecting taxpayers and promoting responsible immigration. One of the key changes in this legislation is the definition of "public charge." It specifies that an immigrant will be considered a public charge if they receive any public benefits for more than 12 months within a 36-month period.