The myth about “benefits” undocumented workers supposedly get

Latest

 
For my dear Facebook friends who are posting about all the benefits that undocumented workers get, here are the facts:
Undocumented immigrants, including DACA holders, are ineligible to receive most federal public benefits, including means-tested benefits such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, sometimes referred to as food stamps), regular Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Undocumented immigrants are ineligible for health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and are prohibited from purchasing unsubsidized health coverage on ACA exchanges. There are restrictions, but undocumented immigrants may be eligible for a handful of in-kind (non-cash) benefits that are deemed necessary to protect life or guarantee safety in dire situations, such as disaster relief, soup kitchens, child/adult protective services as well as emergency treatment under Medicaid, immunizations for communicable diseases, K-12 public education, subsidized school meals, and access to healthcare and nutrition programs for pregnant women and children under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Don’t forget, in many cases, they are contributing to unemployment insurance and paying social security and Medicare tax for benefits they will never see. They are paying gas, sales and property tax (in rent) and may even be having income tax withheld. — Marilyn Hunter

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Israel Has Buried Gaza in Rubble, But Our Love for the Land Will Always Survive

In this piece originally published at Truthout, Hend Salama Abo Helow, a researcher, writer and medical student at Al-Azhar University in Gaza, speaks about the deep connection of Palestinians to the land.

Nurses Forge Alliances to Protect Patients from Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

Nurses care about their patients and want to help them in every way; so they are organizing, building national networks for patients’ rights, fighting to abolish Ice, for healthcare, not warfare—all as an extension of their caring for all patients.

We Can Stop the War Against the Iranian People

Trump has pledged to keep committing war crimes in the US-Israeli war of aggression against the Iranian people, but the majority of Americans are better than this and are rallying themselves to stop the war.

‘They Tricked Me’: Father Chained After Going to ICE to Reunite With His Kids

The Trump administration is using migrant children held in federal custody to lure in their parents so ICE can arrest them, whether or not they have a criminal record.

‘No Kings Day.’ Join Local Protests Saturday, March 28!

Photo story of protests for human rights, democracy and no war have swept America in the past months. The 'No Kings' protest scheduled for March 28 f expects to see 15 million people in the streets, once again expressing people's voices and demands in hand-made signs.

More from the People's Tribune