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

In 1999, immigration officials published a set of rules on the public charge determination called the Field Guidance.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2023

Many immigrants are confused about what benefits and aid programs they can receive without being designated a public charge.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 17, 2023

You might have seen warnings that there are more than 30 electric car owners "fighting over" every public charge point.

From BBC • Jul. 24, 2023

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

From Washington Times • May 17, 2023

There are schools in every town for teaching the poor children, and the masters are maintained at public charge....

From A Book of Discovery The History of the World's Exploration, From the Earliest Times to the Finding of the South Pole by Synge, M. B. (Margaret Bertha)