{"id":55225,"date":"2026-01-02T09:48:53","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T14:48:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jesusreyeslaw.com\/?p=55225"},"modified":"2026-01-02T09:59:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T14:59:26","slug":"sponsor-alert-i864","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jesusreyeslaw.com\/en\/sponsor-alert-i864\/","title":{"rendered":"Sponsor Alert: What You Need to Know About the Government’s New Repayment Demands (2025)"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the final weeks of December 2025, the immigration landscape shifted dramatically. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill<\/b>, began sending collection letters to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who sponsored immigrant family members.<\/p>\n

This measure aims to recoup taxpayer funds spent on public benefits like Medicaid. If you signed an Affidavit of Support (Form I-864)<\/b>, this directly concerns you.<\/p>\n

1. Why is the government collecting now?<\/b><\/p>\n

It all comes down to the contract you signed: Form I-864<\/b>. By signing, you promised the U.S. government two things:<\/p>\n

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  1. To maintain the immigrant’s income above 125% of the poverty level.<\/li>\n
  2. To reimburse the state<\/b> if the immigrant uses specific federal public benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Although this law has existed since 1996, it was rarely enforced aggressively. However, following massive fraud scandals in Minnesota (the “Feeding Our Future” case), the current administration has adopted a “zero tolerance” policy to protect public funds.<\/p>\n

    2. Which benefits can they charge me for? (And which ones are safe)<\/b><\/p>\n

    It is vital to distinguish between safe aid and debt-generating aid.<\/p>\n

    Benefits that DO require reimbursement (“Means-Tested”):<\/p>\n

    According to federal guidelines, sponsors must reimburse income-dependent programs such as:<\/p>\n