2002 Federal Poverty Guidelines Issued

IMMIGRATION LAW & POLICY

Affidavits of Support

2002 federal poverty guidelines issued
Immigrants' Rights Update, Vol. 16, No. 1, February 28, 2002

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services has issued updated federal poverty guidelines that took effect Feb. 14, 2002. The guidelines, which serve as a basis for determining eligibility for many means-tested benefits, are updated yearly to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index. Under the affidavit of support requirements created by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, sponsors seeking to immigrate family members must establish that they have an income of at least 125 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. However, although the 2002 guidelines have already taken effect, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and consular posts will not use the new figures in connection with affidavit of support determinations until Apr. 1, 2002. The table below contains the new guidelines.

FAMILY UNIT SIZE	48 CONTIGUOUS STATES & D.C.	ALASKA	HAWAII
1	$8,860	$11,080	$10,200
2	11,940	14,930	13,740
3	15,020	18,780	17,280
4	18,100	22,630	20,820
5	21,180	26,480	24,360
6	24,260	30,330	27,900
7	27,340	34,180	31,440
8	30,420	38,030	34,980
For each additional family member, add:	3,080	3,850	3,540

67 Fed. Reg. 6,931-33 (Feb. 14, 2002).