Protecting Immigrant Families - Michigan

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The Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Michigan coalition is part of a national network anchored by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), and a committee of other trusted partner organizations. The information on this page is up-to-date as of October 2026. 

The PIF Michigan coalition consists of multiple organizations across the state that stand ready to support immigrant families in securing full access to public benefits for which they are eligible. Contact us if you would like to join our efforts or if you need support navigating this area of law.

The PIF Michigan coalition started in 2018, in response to the first Trump administration’s revision of the public charge rule – a cruel policy that created a "wealth test" which threatened the health, nutrition, and housing of millions of families. The public comment period of the proposed rule campaign generated over 30,000 comments in opposition to the rule. After four years of struggle, we welcomed the Biden administration’s revision of the public charge rule which restored access to most public benefits. Unfortunately, the second Trump administration has ushered in not only a new cruel and confusing public charge rule, but also additional restrictions on public benefits use and eligibility.

Federal Changes To Public Benefits

Recent federal policy changes aim to restrict eligibility for programs that were previously available to immigrant communities. The following resources describe how and when these changes will impact Michiganders.

Data Privacy and Public Programs

Learn more about data privacy and public programs, then share the following materials with your community.

Public Charge

The Trump Administration has ended protections against bias and discrimination in green card applications, starting on September 18, 2026. The final public charge rule was posted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on July 16, 2026. The “public charge inadmissibility test” affects some people applying for a green card or for a visa. Many immigrants are exempt from public charge by laws that cannot be changed by regulations.The final rule does not include a list of programs that can – or cannot – be considered in determining whether a noncitizen is likely to become a public charge. This removes the clarity that had been provided by the previous rule, which was consistent with decades of agency practice and policy. Because the new rule is complicated, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer before you leave the country or apply for a green card. This tool can help individuals keep their benefits by providing helpful information on how the rules apply to different groups. Learn more and take action.

Public Charge: Does this Apply to me? 

This resource can help immigrant families determine if they might be subject to a public charge determination.