**Does affect** is a legal term that refers to the impact an action or decision has on an individual’s immigration status. It is important to distinguish between actions that do affect immigration status and those that do not.
**Actions that do affect immigration status** include:
* **Entering the United States without inspection (EWI)**
* **Overstaying a visa**
* **Committing certain crimes**
* **Engaging in fraud or misrepresentation**
* **Becoming a public charge**
**Actions that do not affect immigration status** include:
* **Using a false name or Social Security number**
* **Getting a driver’s license**
* **Attending school**
* **Working without authorization**
* **Having a child who is a U.S. citizen**
It is important to note that some actions may have both positive and negative effects on immigration status. For example, getting married to a U.S. citizen can help an individual adjust their status to legal permanent resident. However, if the marriage is later found to be fraudulent, it could lead to the individual’s removal from the United States.
If you are unsure whether an action will affect your immigration status, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney. An attorney can help you understand the law and make decisions that will protect your immigration status.
WIC Eligibility Requirements for Immigrants
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk.
Immigrants can be eligible for WIC if they meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident. Immigrants who are not U.S. citizens or legal residents may be eligible for WIC if they meet certain other requirements, such as being granted asylum or refugee status.
- Live in the United States. WIC is a U.S.-based program, so immigrants must live in the United States to be eligible.
- Meet income guidelines. WIC has income guidelines that vary by state. To be eligible, immigrants must have an income that is at or below the WIC income guidelines for their state.
- Be at nutritional risk. WIC provides foods and nutrition education to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk. To be eligible for WIC, immigrants must be at nutritional risk, as determined by a health professional.
Immigrants who meet the WIC eligibility requirements can apply for WIC at their local WIC clinic. To apply, immigrants will need to provide proof of their identity, proof of residency, proof of income, and proof of nutritional risk.
| Requirement | Verification |
|---|---|
| U.S. citizenship or legal residency | Birth certificate, passport, or other government-issued ID |
| U.S. residence | Utility bill, lease agreement, or other proof of address |
| Income | Pay stubs, tax returns, or other proof of income |
| Nutritional risk | Medical records, health screenings, or other documentation from a health professional |
Impact of WIC on Legal Permanent Residents
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 years old. Legal permanent residents (LPRs) are eligible to participate in WIC if they meet the program’s income and residency requirements.
WIC participation does not affect an LPR’s immigration status. LPRs who participate in WIC are not required to disclose their immigration status to WIC staff. WIC staff are prohibited from asking about an LPR’s immigration status.
WIC participation may actually help LPRs maintain their immigration status. WIC provides prenatal care, nutrition education, and other services that can help LPRs stay healthy and avoid costly medical bills. WIC also provides referrals to legal services, which can help LPRs navigate the immigration process.
Benefits of WIC for LPRs
- Provides supplemental foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care
- Helps LPRs maintain their health and avoid costly medical bills
- Provides referrals to legal services, which can help LPRs navigate the immigration process
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC, LPRs must meet the following requirements:
- Be a pregnant woman, a new mother, or a child under 5 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen, including LPRs
- Meet the program’s income guidelines
| Family Size | Income Limit (as of 2022) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $53,728 |
| 2 | $72,255 |
| 3 | $90,782 |
| 4 | $109,309 |
| Each additional family member | +$18,527 |
To apply for WIC, LPRs can contact their local WIC agency. They will need to provide proof of income, proof of residency, and proof of their immigration status.
Verification Procedures for WIC Applicants with Immigration Status
As part of the application process for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), applicants are required to provide proof of their identity and residency. This includes providing documentation that verifies their immigration status.
- US citizens must provide a birth certificate, US passport, or Certificate of Naturalization.
- Non-US citizens must provide a valid, unexpired visa or other documentation that shows their legal status in the US.
- Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for WIC benefits.
In addition to providing documentation, WIC applicants may also be asked to provide additional information, such as a Social Security number or proof of income. WIC staff will use this information to verify the applicant’s eligibility for benefits.
| Document | US Citizens | Non-US Citizens | Undocumented Immigrants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | ✓ | ||
| US Passport | ✓ | ||
| Certificate of Naturalization | ✓ | ||
| Valid Visa | ✓ | ||
| Other Documentation of Legal Status | ✓ | ||
| Social Security Number | May be required | ||
| Proof of Income | May be required |
Changes to WIC Program for Immigrants in 2022
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a federally funded program that provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as to infants and children up to age 5. In 2022, there were several changes to the WIC program that affect immigrants.
Eligibility
- Previously, only US citizens and permanent residents were eligible for WIC benefits. In 2022, the law changed to allow undocumented immigrants to also receive WIC benefits.
- Undocumented immigrants must meet all other WIC eligibility requirements, such as being pregnant, breastfeeding, or caring for an infant or child under 5, and having a low income.
Benefits
- WIC benefits include healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and milk, as well as nutrition education and counseling.
- Undocumented immigrants are eligible for the same WIC benefits as US citizens and permanent residents.
How to Apply
- Undocumented immigrants can apply for WIC benefits at their local WIC clinic.
- They will need to provide proof of income and proof of their child’s age and identity.
Impact on Immigration Status
Receiving WIC benefits will not affect an undocumented immigrant’s immigration status. WIC is a non-cash assistance program, and it is not considered a public benefit that could make an undocumented immigrant ineligible for future legal status.
Additional Information
| Eligibility | Benefits | How to Apply | Impact on Immigration Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented immigrants who meet income and other eligibility requirements | Healthy foods, nutrition education, and counseling | Local WIC clinic with proof of income and child’s age and identity | No impact on immigration status |
Thanks for sticking with me through this quick dive into the WIC program and immigration status. I hope I’ve been able to shed some light on this topic. If you have any questions or if anything I’ve said is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask. And if you’re interested in learning more about WIC or other immigration-related topics, be sure to check back later. I’ll be posting more articles soon, so stay tuned!