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

The range of electric cars has improved, as has the number of public charge points.

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

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

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

They passed votes of regret; replaced the ashes in proper receptacles within the tombs; and put them in order, at the public charge.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by A Sexton of the Old School