This resource provides information on federal laws, regulations, and guidance that protect the information that immigrant families provide to public benefits agencies when applying for health, nutrition, cash assistance, child care, and other public benefits programs. It offers tips for communicating with state and local benefit agencies about these protections.
Table
This table provides information on privacy protections and information requirements for various federal benefits programs, including Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Affordable Care Act Marketplace coverage, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and more.
View the Table
We thank many partners, including the Food Research & Action Center, The Shriver Center on Poverty Law and the Legal Council for Health Justice. Please send any questions to Sonya Schwartz, Consultant, Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) or Tanya Broder, National Immigration Law Center Senior Counsel at [email protected].
Medical Assistance Programs for Immigrants in Various States (Table)
Updated Aug 24, 2026 This table outlines state policies for extending health coverage to more immigrant groups, including lawfully residing children and pregnant persons, regardless of their U.S. entry date, and providing prenatal care using CHIP funds, regardless...
Federal Court Strikes Down Trump’s Discriminatory 75-Country Visa Ban
Published Aug 21, 2026 In a major victory for families, fairness, and the rule of law, a federal court in New York struck down the Trump administration’s blanket, nationality-based “public charge” ban on immigrant visa processing for people from 75...
FAQ: The Federal Government Wants to Deny Refundable Tax Credits to Many Immigrants
Published Aug 19, 2026 The U.S. Treasury and IRS have proposed a new rule to radically change who can receive vital tax credits, excluding many immigrants who currently work, pay taxes, and meet existing eligibility requirements. This resource answers questions about...
State-Funded Food Assistance Programs (Table)
Updated Aug 18, 2026 This table lists the state-funded programs that provide nutrition assistance to immigrants who are not eligible for coverage under the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Originally published in November...