Welfare System and Immigration??????

[candelaria]

Hi everyone, I just wanted to get some advice about something- I know everyone is so great about helping one another out here!!- and I thank yall for yall's help-

I wanted to know is that my husband's aunt has been a LPR for quite some time now ( not really sure but I'd say about 10 yrs?-I think) and the thing is she is receiving gov. assistance. for her 2 children - her husband also has his LPR- I believe she as been getting the help of her children since they were young- but she is trying to get her citizenship and someone told her thet she wouldn't be able to because she is receving help -- is this true?
She is so worried about this - if anyone can give some kind advice for her it would help so much -- thankx again!:thumbup:

[ratito921]

what kind of assistance is she receiving?

It is my understanding that the whole reason behind the affidavit of support is to to make sure the immigrant does not become a public charge or rely on the government for assistance. I don't really know if this would affect her adjusting her status, but it might.

If I were you I would ask Laurel in her chat tomorrow. check out www.visacentral.net on Wednesday 11 am central time.

I hope you get the answers you're looking for and if you do please let us know what she says!

[meesh]

I know several permanent residents who have recently gone through the naturalization process. They arrived as refugees many years ago, but are currently receiving governmental assistance in the form of food stamps (They were also granted fee waivers for the N-400 fee due to their low income). They didn't have any trouble applying for citizenship, but I would still ask for Laurel's input on this one because each case is unique.

[candelaria]

well,, I think shes receiving food stamps and medicaid - she has recieving it for awhile though- I hope it doesn't effect her though - but I do understand about affidavit support - yeah she had received her LPR awhile back - I wish I could ask but I work tomm. and I wont be able to ask her but thanx for yall's advice - it helps alot! ttyl bye:D

[Coventrated]

Has she compleed 40 quarters of work?

[aussiewench]

BECOMING A NATURALIZED U.S. CITIZEN – LPRs (who already have a "green card") cannot be turned down for U.S. citizenship for lawfully receiving any public benefits for which they are eligible.

Source (http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/Public.pdf)

Also see Public Charge Information (http://www.familybasedimmigration.com/forum/showthread.php?t=487) for other links