On the issue of immigrants supposedly draining our public services, reality is different to what has been portrayed by some.
The fact is that following the enactment of welfare and immigration reform laws in 1996, unauthorized immigrants are ineligible for public benefits. Authorized immigrants are eligible to benefits once they meet certain conditions.
Authorized immigrants, Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR's), can access public benefits, but first, they must wait to qualify. More precisely, LPRs cannot receive benefits from 31 Department of Health and Human Services programs during their first five years as LPRs, regardless of how long they have worked in the United States or how much they have paid in taxes. These programs include non-emergency Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Facing an immigration law matter? The experienced and compassionate Hollywood, FL immigration lawyers at Garcia, Miranda, Gonzalez-Rua, P.A. are ready to hear your story. Call 888.340.8424 today to request a free case evaluation. Hablamos Español and Nou pale Kreyol.
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