The Public Charge Clarification Act of 2026 is designed to update and clarify the rules surrounding immigrants who may rely on public assistance, with the primary aim of ensuring that immigrants are self-sufficient and protecting taxpayers from the financial burden of public benefits. A central provision of the Act is the establishment of a clearer definition of "public charge." An immigrant will be deemed likely to become a public charge if they are expected to receive public benefits for more than 12 months within a 36-month period.