This report provides a brief discussion of the current eligibility criteria for a variety of public benefits, including food assistance, cash assistance (TANF), healthcare, and Supplemental Security Income, as well as access to Driver’s Licenses for persons who cannot provide proof of lawful status including specifically immigrant survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and human sex and labor trafficking. The report focuses particularly on benefits for immigrant crime survivors who have filed or are preparing to file for immigration relief: VAWA Self-Petitioners, U visa applicants, T visa applicants, applicants for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), and applicants for Continued Presence.
For each public benefit type, the report discusses a model state law as well as options for a more incremental approach. It then provides a menu of options, drawn from other state law approaches, that states can use to extend eligibility for public benefits to more immigrant victims of crime and abuse. The report also provides an analysis of best practices where appropriate.