Policy Memo (56.25 KB)
| DATE: | January 24, 2008 |
| SUBJECT: | FSP – Guidance on Iraqi and Afghani Special Immigrants |
| TO: | All Regional Administrators |
Effective Dec. 26, 2007, PL 110-161 of The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2008 granted Iraqi and Afghan aliens special immigrant status under section 101(a)(27) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 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 section 207 of the INA, except the period of eligibility cannot exceed six months.
Verification of Special Immigrant Status
For Food Stamp Program purposes, Iraqi and Afghan aliens and family members who claim special immigrant status must provide verification that they have been admitted under section 101(a)(27) of the INA.
Date of Eligibility and Certification Period
The effective date of eligibility as a qualified alien is from the date the special immigrant enters the United States. The special immigrant’s certification period for food stamps cannot exceed six months from the special immigrant’s date of entry as the following illustrates:
| Date of Entry | Date of Food Stamp Application | Certification Period |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 11, 2007—Six months from date of entry is October 11th through March 31st . | Jan. 8, 2008 | 3 months—Jan. 8, 2008 through March 31, 2008. |
| Dec. 12, 2007—Six months from date of entry is December 12th through May 31st . | Feb. 26, 2008 | 4 months—Feb. 26, 2008 through May 31 , 2008. |
| Sept. 30, 2008—Six months from date of entry is September 30th through February 28th. | Oct. 16, 2008 | 5 months—Oct. 16, 2008 through Feb. 28, 2009. |
Because this is a provision of an appropriations bill, it is only in effect through the end of the fiscal year (Sept. 30, 2008) unless extended by federal law. States that discover or become aware of any special immigrants who were denied prior to the passage of this bill should reconsider those denials using this current policy.
State agencies can work with or contact their respective state Refugee Coordinator’s Office at http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/programs/orr/partners/state_coordina.htm if they have questions regarding Office of Refugee Resettlement policy as it relates to Iraqi and Afghani special immigrants.
Arthur T. Foley
Director
Program Development Division