The purpose of this memo is to clarify SNAP eligibility for certain Haitian orphans.
The new legislation provides that SIVs are eligible for all benefits available to the same extent and for the same period of time as refugees pursuant to Section 207 of the Immigrations and Nationality Act.
Noncitizens who were receiving food stamps on Aug. 22, 1996, will not lose benefits due to their immigration status until at least April 22, 1997. If, for example, a person moves to another state or has a break in eligibility because of something unrelated to his or her noncitizen status (such as a temporary increase in earnings) and applies again before April 1, 1997, the new noncitizen eligibility requirements would not apply.
The Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act makes a significant change to implementation of the food stamp eligibility provisions for noncitizens of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.