WAG 03-01-03-c

A noncitizen having the following status with INS meets the citizen/INS status rule for SNAP benefits, even if their status later changes to lawful permanent resident:

  • a refugee admitted under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA);
  • an asylee admitted under section 208 of the INA;
  • a person who is a national of Cuba or Haiti admitted on or after 04/21/80;
  • a person who is an Amerasian from Vietnam, and their close family members, admitted through the Orderly Departure Program beginning on 03/20/88;
  • a person whose deportation was withheld under section 243(h) or 241(b)(3) of the INA; or
  • a person identified by the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) as a victim of trafficking, new textor the minor child, spouse, parent, or sibling of the trafficking victim. 
  • Iraqi or Afghan immigrant with special immigrant status under Section 101(a) (27) of the INA.

For example, a person entered the U.S. as an asylee. Even though their status is later adjusted to lawful permanent resident, the person continues to qualify for SNAP benefits as an asylee.