HHS Seeks Comments on TANF Reauthorization

IMMIGRANTS & PUBLIC BENEFITS

Language Access

HHS seeks comments on TANF reauthorization
Immigrants' Rights Update, Vol. 15, No. 7, Nov. 16, 2001

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a notice soliciting comments on the upcoming reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The request for comments supplements a series of regional meetings on TANF reauthorization that the HHS has been conducting with key state officials and tribal leaders. Participation in the regional meetings is by invitation only. Advocates across the country have protested their lack of access to the meetings. The request for comments was issued in response to the protests.

TANF reauthorization provides an opportunity to advocate for many important immigrant issues. These include the restoration of TANF and other benefits denied to immigrants by the 1996 welfare law, improving access to English as a second language training through TANF job training programs, and ensuring that all facets of the TANF program, including the initial assessment, training, job placement and supportive services, are responsive to the needs of limited English proficient participants.

The deadline for submitting comments is Nov. 30, 2001. NILC will be developing proposed comments to be distributed through our email lists by mid-November.

66 Fed. Reg. 52,773 (Oct. 17, 2001).