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- Immigration & Citizenship
Applying for a green card while on Medi-Cal or CalFresh? Since September 18, that can count as "public charge": who in your family is affected, who isn't, and three things not to do out of fear
A new Department of Homeland Security "public charge" rule took effect Friday, September 18, 2026. It scraps the 2022 rule, which counted only cash aid and government-paid nursing home care, and lets immigration officers weigh "any and all" means-tested benefits a green card applicant receives from that date on, including Medi-Cal. California and 20 other states have sued; no court has ruled. In the meantime, the question for every household around Bolsa is simple: who is actually affected, and who is about to cancel a parent's coverage for no reason.
- Immigration & Citizenship
Taking your parents to a "dịch vụ" office for immigration papers? California law says they owe you six things — and if one is missing, walk out
In July 2026, the State Bar of California got a court order to seize an "immigration law services" office in Artesia, in Los Angeles County, run by a man who was never a lawyer. One client had paid $4,275 for a green card and work permit that never came through. California has a law written for exactly these storefront offices: it spells out what they may do, what they may not say, and what paperwork they must hand you. Know the six items and you can protect yourself, or your parents, before any money changes hands.