On the recordApril 30, 1996
one of the improvements made by the bill is in the definition of ``public charge'' and ``affidavits of support.'' The bill defines ``public charge'' with reference to taxpayer-funded assistance for which eligibility is based on need. Mr. President, I believe that this definition is quite consistent with the general policy requiring self-sufficiency of immigrants. Programs should not be limited to cash programs. The noncash programs are also a serious burden on the taxpayers. If the immigrant uses such taxpayer-funded assistance, he or she is a public charge. How else should the term ``public charge'' be defined than someone who has received needs-based taxpayer-funded assistance? That person has not been self-sufficient, as the American people had a right to expect.
Source
govinfo.gov
