Economic Support
The 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.
COVID-19 Resources
Resources | COVID-19 Crisis and Consequences
Understanding the Impact of Key Provisions of COVID-19 Relief Bills on Immigrant Communities
Access to Economic Support
Afghan New Arrivals Public Benefits Chart
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs
Overview of Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs (Table)
A Quick Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Affordable Care Act and Key Federal Means-tested Programs
Guide to Immigrant Eligibility for Federal Programs UPDATE PAGE
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
Food and Nutrition Programs
Food Over Fear: Overcoming Barriers to Connect Latinx Immigrant Families to Federal Nutrition and Food Programs (NILC & FRAC)
Nutrition Assistance for Immigrant Children
Facts About Immigrants & the Food Stamp Program
State-Funded Food Assistance Programs
State Online SNAP Applications May Not Ask Unnecessary Questions Regarding Immigration Status
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
State-Funded TANF Replacement Programs
Privacy Protections and Other Rights
Privacy Protections in Selected Federal Benefits Program: Table, Sample Letter, and Appendix
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)
Khudheyer, et al. v. Cuccinelli, et al. (challenge to USCIS “public charge” guidance and I-944 “Declaration of Self-Sufficiency,” filed 7/13/20)
Texas Health and Human Services Commission v. United States (Texas HHSC seeks to block resettlement of Syrian refugees in Texas)
Order granting motion to dismiss (6/15/16, PDF)
Judge Throws Out Attempt by Texas to Block Syrian Refugee Resettlement (6/16/16)
Georgia State Conference of the NAACP, et al. v. City of LaGrange (challenge to policies restricting access to basic utility services, filed 5/18/17)
NILC v. Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback, et al. (seeking to force Kansas to disclose information about discriminatory treatment of refugees)
Petition for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (3/30/16, PDF)
Documents released by Kansas governor, including letter announcing Kansas’ withdrawal from participation in federal refugee resettlement programs (4/25/16, PDF)
Documents received in response to open records request (3/14/16, PDF)
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.