SNAP benefits for children in a mixed citizenship household

Research

Apr 5

Written By mRelief

Key Takeaways

Children in mixed citizenship households are underrepresented in public benefits enrollment
You will not be affected by or be considered a public charge if you receive SNAP benefits
Many documented immigrants who have been in the United States for 5 years are eligible for public benefits (with exceptions)
Other documented immigrants may also be eligible, but these exceptions are complicated. You can view more information here

Introduction

Many children of non-citizen parents are eligible for benefits. Children who have at least one foreign-born parent are underrepresented in public benefits enrollment. From 2016 to 2019, benefits enrollment for children living with non-citizens decreased by 35.6% compared to 12.6% of children who only live with citizens in their households.

Research has shown that if a parent is ineligible or thinks they do not qualify for SNAP, it is less likely that their children will participate in SNAP. Understandably, non-citizen parents with children born in the United States are hesitant to pursue public benefits. What made matters worse was the Trump administration’s public charge rule. The 2019 public charge rule, which was overturned, considered the use of public benefits such as SNAP and Medicaid, as disqualifiers in obtaining a green card or temporary visa. This rule was thrown out by a federal court. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency has shared that a noncitizen’s application for or receipt of SNAP benefits is not considered when making public charge determinations. Receiving SNAP benefits has no effect on an immigration decision.

The federal government has introduced policies over the past three decades that have made it harder to know who can or cannot access food assistance. That’s why mRelief has designed a screener that aims to take the guesswork out of determining whether or not you qualify for SNAP.

What prevents mixed citizen households from participating in SNAP?

Two common reasons non-citizens have opted out of applying for SNAP:

The Public Charge Rule

MYTH - The Trump Administration’s Public Charge rule means that if someone receives public benefits, their chances of getting citizenship are reduced or threatened.
FACT - This rule was thrown out by a federal court. Receiving SNAP benefits will not impact whether a person is deported, denied entry, or gains permanent residency in the United States.

Language Barriers

MYTH - Non-citizens may have limited English proficiency and some believe that they cannot apply because they don’t have a sufficient understanding of English.
FACT - Local SNAP offices have applications in multiple languages and not being proficient in English will not prevent someone from receiving SNAP.

You can learn more about other potential barriers or hesitance on non-citizens applying for SNAP here.

One Immigrant Story

Julianna’s mother came to the United States from El Salvador 22 years ago on a temporary work visa. Julianna is currently 21 and has two younger siblings. Her mother currently is in the process of getting her green card, and Julianna and all of her siblings were born in the United States. Julianna’s uncle recently came to live with them and is undocumented.

Julianna’s mother is worried about how a public charge will affect her getting her green card, so she has been hesitant to sign up her children for SNAP. She is even more worried about her brother and having the government know about his citizenship status.

Let’s help Julianna sign up for benefits!

People who live together and regularly purchase and prepare meals are considered a household under SNAP. Julianna lives with her family, so we have to count her, her siblings, her uncle, and her mother for a total of five people.

Julianna recently started working part-time to support her family. She has decided to also pursue SNAP benefits. To help her sign up, Julianna and her mother go to a local food bank to consult with a community health worker. The community health worker eases Julianna’s mother’s fears about the possibility of having a public charge prevent her from getting her green card and the two decide that applying for SNAP will benefit their family in the long run. The community health worker informs Julianna and her mom during their session that:

Julianna and her siblings qualify for SNAP benefits as US citizens
Julianna’s mother and uncle will need to be listed as part of their household but will not be applying for benefits as they are not qualified, non-citizens. Because they are not applying for benefits, they are not required to reveal their immigration statuses.

Conclusion

Julianna’s family faced real fears in deciding whether to apply for SNAP benefits. After talking with a community health worker they were able to apply and receive benefits.

mRelief can help you learn if you are eligible for SNAP and, in some areas, connect you with an outreach worker to answer your questions and help you apply.

We can help you sign up for food stamps today.

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