Title: Fact Sheet: Immigrants and Public Benefits - National Immigration Forum
Headings: Fact Sheet: Immigrants and Public Benefits
Fact Sheet: Immigrants and Public Benefits
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for federal public benefit programs?
Are legal immigrants eligible for federal public benefit programs?
Are immigrants eligible for state benefit programs?
What is the protocol for “mixed-status families,” i.e., undocumented parents with citizen children?
How much do legal immigrants use federal public benefit programs?
How much do immigrants contribute to support public benefits programs?
Do undocumented children have access to a public education?
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Content: Fact Sheet: Immigrants and Public Benefits - National Immigration Forum
Fact Sheet: Immigrants and Public Benefits
August 21, 2018
Are undocumented immigrants eligible for federal public benefit programs? Generally no. Undocumented immigrants, including DACA holders, are ineligible to receive most federal public benefits, including means-tested benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, sometimes referred to as food stamps), regular Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and are prohibited from purchasing unsubsidized health coverage on ACA exchanges. Undocumented immigrants may be eligible for a handful of benefits that are deemed necessary to protect life or guarantee safety in dire situations, such as emergency Medicaid, access to treatment in hospital emergency rooms, or access to healthcare and nutrition programs under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Are legal immigrants eligible for federal public benefit programs? Only those with lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, but not until they have resided as a legal resident for five years. LPRs – sometimes referred to as green card holders – do not have full access to all public benefit programs and are subject to limitations before being eligible for federal means-tested benefits, including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), TANF, SNAP, and SSI.