public charge

American  

noun

1. a person who is in economic distress and is supported at government expense.

   He assured the American consul that the prospective immigrant would not become a public charge.

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Etymology

Origin of public charge

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

public charge

Prices can vary a lot when using public charge points, depending on factors including the speed of the charger and the time of day.

From BBC ● Nov. 21, 2025

Immigration officials do not consider food, housing and healthcare programs when deciding whether someone is a public charge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2023

Government officials make a public charge assessment to determine whether a person is likely to become “primarily dependent” on government aid programs in the future.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2023

Those who violate the public charge standard can be denied the chance to become citizens.

From Washington Times ● May 17, 2023

The Wisconsin man left prison sick, and must have been a public charge here, while his friends would give him a home, if with them, though unable to pay his fare thither.

From The Prison Chaplaincy, And Its Experiences by Quinby, Hosea