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

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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

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

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

From Washington Times ● May 17, 2023

The first “Court of Assistants” was held at Charlestown, Aug. 23, 1630; and the first thing propounded was, “how the ministers shall be maintained,” and it was determined, of course, at the public charge.

From Curiosities of History Boston, September Seventeenth, 1630-1880 by William W. Wheildon

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