Yet another reminder to all of our readers of President Trump’s recent memo making it mandatory for state and local agencies to sue I-864 sponsors for all means-tested benefits that are paid to adjustment of status applicants/beneficiaries. These means-tested benefits programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The key takeaway is the following: if the sponsored immigrant receives any federal means-tested public benefits, the sponsor will be expected to reimburse the benefits-granting agency for every dollar of benefits received by the immigrant.
We have not yet seen what this type of enforcement will look like, but imagine the first actions will be taken in the coming weeks and months. If you have any personal experience with, or have been contacted by, these state/local agencies in regards to repayment of these benefits, or know of someone who has, please contact us immediately.
Please see this article for more information.
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