Economic Support

dacaThe resources on this page provide information about eligibility and other rules governing immigrants’ access to federal and state economic support programs. About half the states have spent their own money to cover at least some of the immigrants who are ineligible for federally funded services. Several states or counties provide health coverage to children and/or pregnant women, regardless of their immigration status. Many state-funded programs, however, have been reduced or eliminated in state budget battles. In determining an immigrant’s eligibility for benefits, it is necessary to understand the federal rules as well as the rules of the state in which an immigrant resides.

Economic Support InformationLitigation


LIFT the BAR Act
Support and Pass the LIFT the BAR Act

U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
Analysis of Health and Benefit Provisions in the U.S. Citizenship Act

Public Charge and Sponsor Liability Issues
Overview of 2022 Public Charge Regulations 
Overview of and Guidance on Public Charge: When is it safe to use public benefits?
Documenting through Service Provider Accounts Harm Caused by the Department of Homeland Security’s Public Charge Rule
Affidavits of Support: Sponsored Immigrants and Benefits
FAQ: Understanding President Trump’s Memorandum on Enforcing the Responsibilities of Sponsors

President’s Proclamation Requiring Health Insurance
Summary: President’s Proclamation Requiring Immigrants
to Have Health Insurance (Oct. 2019)

Programs for Immigrants in California
Major Benefit Programs Available to Immigrants in California
Immigrant Eligibility for Food Stamps in California
Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI)
Benefits for Immigrant Survivors of Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Other Serious Crimes in California
CalWORKS and Other Public Benefits for Immigrant Victims of Domestic Violence

Disaster Assistance
Food, Shelter, Cash Payments, Loans, and Other Help for Survivors of Major Disasters
Immigrant Eligibility for Disaster Assistance
Guidance to State and Local Governments and Other Federally Assisted Recipients Engaged in Emergency Preparedness, Response, Mitigation, and Recovery Activities on Compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (DOJ, 8/16)


Access to Health Care, Food, and Other Public Programs for Immigrant Families under the Trump Administration: Things to Keep in Mind When Talking with Immigrant Families

At NILC, we are vigilantly monitoring the Trump administration’s changes to existing policy. This publication is intended to clarify what has and has not changed with respect to the rules and policies that affect immigrants’ access to health, nutrition, and other critical programs. We invite you to use it as a resource when you speak with immigrants and immigrant families.