FNS Documents & Resources

FNS guidance of March 20, 2008 provided that the eligibility of Afghani Special Immigrants was in effect through Sept. 30, 2008 under The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2008.

Policy Household Member's Name Differs from the Name Contained on the Earnings Statement Used to Verify Income. 

In light of recent legislative changes, FNS is issuing the following new guidance on the eligibility of Iraqi and Afghani special immigrants. Due to these changes in legislation, Iraqis are now treated somewhat differently than Afghanis. Because FNS has updated its policy interpretation on how to treat these special immigrants, this new guidance supersedes our previous guidance on Iraqi and Afghani Special immigrants issued on Jan. 24, 2008.

The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 granted Iraqi and Afghan aliens special immigrant status under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Individuals and family members granted this special immigrant status are eligible for resettlement assistance, entitlement programs, and other benefits the same as refugees admitted under the INA, except the period of eligibility cannot exceed six months.

The fiscal year 1997 Supplemental Appropriations Act gave states the option of purchasing federal food stamps for use in state-funded food assistance programs that provide nutrition assistance to legal immigrants and childless, able-bodied adults ineligible for the Food Stamp Program because of the three-month food stamp time limit.

Attached is guidance for your staff and state agencies on submitting a request to purchase food stamps for use in state-funded nutrition programs. The guidance includes information on the terms for reimbursing the federal government for the value of food stamps distributed and the federal administrative costs incurred under such state programs.

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, restricts participation in most food assistance programs based on citizenship and alien status. WIC is specifically exempted from these restrictions, however, states have the option to limit participation to citizens and qualified aliens.