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

Food Stamps to Authorized People Must Be Returned says

This month the White House demanded that Food Stamps distributed to eligible people must be retrieved because the distribution was "unauthorized."

Undocumented Immigrants in Fear During Operation Midway Blitz

"I am scared. I’m scared for myself, my parents, my tios and tias, my whole family. We’re all vulnerable,” writes a Chicagoan about the terror of Operation Midway Blitz. "We're all vulnerable."

Mamdani Election and Others Offer a Light in the Darkness

From the editors: The recent election results, especially the election of Zohran Mamdani, offered a ray of hope for millions in America who have been struggling to survive economically and who are appalled by the rising fascism in the country.

‘Hope is Alive,’ says New York City Mayor-Elect Mamdani

Read New York City's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's acceptance speech following his victory in 2025 Elections.

Mayor, Evanston, IL: ‘My Community Is Under Invasion from Our Own Federal Gov’t’

Amid federal ICE raids in Chicagoland, the mayor of one Chicago suburb is on the frontlines of the anti-ICE protest movement, saying ICE agents have invaded his city and are beating people up for no reason.

More from the People's Tribune