I-485 Part 3. #2 Have you received public assistance in the U.S. from any source question

[mewomix]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and in the middle of filing GC for my wife that is currently on a work visa. we're in our late 20s

I'm struggling on what to answer On the form I485 part 3, question 2, "Have you received public assistance in the U.S. from any source, including the U.S. government or any state, county, city or municipality (other than emergency medical treatment), or are you likely to receive public assistance in the future?"

Back when she was 17-18 years old she had a foster children status in college due to domestic abuse and receiving assistance from the government in that respect. she is no longer this status, and has not received any public assistance.

I'm sure it is a NO as an answer, but would like to get your feedback.


Thanks !

 

[newacct]

It never hurts to say yes and explain, especially since it's something that will not affect her application. If it turns out it doesn't count as public assistance, then they will just ignore it. But you don't want it to come back and haunt you later as misrepresentation or something.

 

[Jackolantern]

From what you've described, she's apparently been in the US for at least 10 years. How many years has she worked? If she has 40 credits for Social Security she would be eligible to skip the I-864 and file I-864W instead, which would stop them from disqualifying her on public charge grounds (although whatever she got as a 17/18 year old almost certainly won't matter anyway).

 

[mewomix]

Thank you all for your responses !
Yeah you're right its better to just disclose what i have , even though it's not really considered "public charge"

Jackolantern, she was in the US for college and moved back to her home country afterwards. She was back again this past 2 years, this is good to know, although, unfortunately she would not have 40 credits for social security

From what you've described, she's apparently been in the US for at least 10 years. How many years has she worked? If she has 40 credits for Social Security she would be eligible to skip the I-864 and file I-864W instead, which would stop them from disqualifying her on public charge grounds (although whatever she got as a 17/18 year old almost certainly won't matter anyway).