What Benefits Do Immigrants Get When They Come to America?

Are you wondering what benefits you or your family could get when you arrive in America? From healthcare access to educational opportunities and housing assistance, U.S. immigrants can take advantage of various support programs, depending on their status. An experienced immigration lawyer can identify the specific benefits available to you and help you access the support you need to flourish in your new home country.

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Eligibility for Federal Programs by Immigration Status

Eligibility for federal programs in the U.S. depends on an immigrant’s status. Immigrants with “qualified” status, such as lawful permanent residents (LPRs), refugees, asylum seekers, and certain trafficking victims, can access benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid. However, LPRs usually must wait five years before applying for many federal programs unless they meet specific exemptions.

Certain refugees and asylum seekers can qualify for specific federal benefits, such as SSI and SNAP, for up to seven years after being granted refugee or asylum status. Immigrants without “qualified” status, including undocumented immigrants, cannot access most federal programs, although emergency services like Medicaid and school meal programs remain available. 

The Impact of the Five-Year Bar for Lawful Permanent Residents

Lawful permanent residents, also known as green card holders, must wait five years before they can access many federal benefits. This rule, known as the “five-year bar,” applies to programs like Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). 

During this period, LPRs generally cannot receive benefits unless they meet certain exceptions, such as working 40 qualifying quarters (about ten years) in the U.S. or having a qualifying disability. However, refugees and asylees who later become LPRs do not have to wait five years to qualify for benefits.

Healthcare Access for Immigrants

Healthcare access for immigrants depends on their immigration status. LPRs can qualify for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) after living in the U.S. for five years. However, some groups, like refugees, asylum seekers, and children or pregnant people, can receive these benefits without a five-year waiting period. Additionally, regardless of their status, Medicaid provides all immigrants with emergency care, such as labor and delivery services.

Undocumented immigrants do not qualify for most federal healthcare programs, but they can access emergency Medicaid and receive treatment in emergency rooms. States can also offer healthcare benefits to immigrants, and many provide more coverage to children and pregnant people who are lawfully present in the U.S., even if they haven’t met the five-year bar. Programs like Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) also offer nutritional support to needy immigrant families.

Public Education Rights for Immigrant Children

Immigrant children in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, have the right to a public education. The Supreme Court’s 1982 decision in Plyler v. Doe guarantees that all children, including undocumented immigrants, can attend public schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. Schools cannot deny enrollment based on a child’s actual or perceived immigration status or require documents that would reveal their status. This means immigrant children can receive the same educational opportunities as U.S. citizens.

Undocumented children also qualify for early education programs like Head Start, which provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutritional services. Since Head Start is not considered a federal public benefit program, eligibility depends on family income and the child’s age rather than immigration status.

Beyond K-12 education, certain immigrant groups, such as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, can access in-state tuition and financial aid in many states. Many states have implemented laws to expand educational access to undocumented students, recognizing the importance of education for all children, regardless of their status.

State-Funded Benefits for Immigrants in Las Vegas

Undocumented immigrants can access several state-funded benefits in Las Vegas, Nevada. These programs provide critical assistance without requiring legal U.S. residency. For housing-related needs, undocumented residents can apply to the Welfare Set-Aside Program (WSAP), which offers emergency funds for rent, mortgage, or utility payments. The Fixed Income CHAP Program (FI-CHAP) helps residents with fixed incomes, providing up to 12 months of rent and utility assistance for those priced out of their housing due to rent increases.

The Eviction Prevention Program and Eviction Diversion Program aim to prevent eviction by offering financial help for rent and utilities to low-income residents facing housing instability. Undocumented residents can also seek help through the Long-Term Care (LTC) Program, which helps secure placements in nursing homes or adult care facilities for those unable to live independently.

Undocumented youth who have aged out of foster care can benefit from the Step Up Program, which offers financial aid for housing, education, and employment. Several CARE Teams work alongside community partners to provide outreach, case management, and housing support. Clark County also has an HIV Services Program that helps those with HIV through a network of healthcare providers. 

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help

An immigration attorney can help you understand and access the benefits you qualify for when you arrive in the U.S. Your lawyer can assess your eligibility for programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF, depending on your immigration status. They can also assist you in obtaining benefits from state-funded programs, which can be especially helpful if you do not qualify for federal benefits right away.

If you face challenges accessing these benefits, an immigration attorney can help you resolve any legal issues or misunderstandings. They can also provide guidance on applying for work permits or visas, which could open the door to additional services and benefits. By working with an immigration attorney, you can better understand your rights and make the most of the resources available to you in the U.S.

Contact a Las Vegas Immigration Lawyer Now

If you have questions about the benefits you can get as a U.S. immigrant in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration now. Our team is here to help you understand your options and access all the support available to you. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and take the first step toward claiming the benefits you need.