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

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

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

From BBC

The key policy was the administration’s tightening of the “public charge” rule, which applies to those seeking admission to the United States or hoping to upgrade their immigration status.

From Los Angeles Times

In the end, there’s no evidence that anyone was ever actually denied status based exclusively on the expanded public charge definition.

From Slate

Connie Chung Joe, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California, said she has been told of Asian immigrants canceling medical appointments because they are afraid of being seen as a public charge.

From Los Angeles Times