TOOLKIT
Provider Education: Using Public Benefits
More than ever, immigrants are forgoing benefits for fear of discovery or retaliation.
The recently leaked draft executive order on Public Charges, which if signed could make it harder for low-income immigrants who use certain benefits to enter the country or obtain a green card, has made the situation especially confusing and threatening. As above, it's important for providers to know what is and what is not true. The landscape is changing rapidly, so keep an eye out for new information from organizations like NILC.
What Services Can Immigrants Safely Access?
More Information:
Immigrants & Public Benefits: National
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Trump's Executive Orders & Immigrants' Access to Health, Food, & Public Programs (March 2017)
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Health Care Toolkit For Providers (need to register to access)
Webinar: Healthcare for Immigrant Communities & The New Administration
Powerpoint slides from a NILC, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, and Center on Budget & Policy Priorities webinar. Contains information about eligibility for healthcare programs and potential threats to access.
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Health Care Toolkit For Providers (need to register to access)
- Know Your Rights: Is it safe to apply for health insurance or seek health care?
- Talking Points to Address Patients' Enrollment or Renewal Concerns
- Know Your Rights Video Training on Immigrant Eligibility to Health Care & Coverage

National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
Webpage with articles reviewing the concept of "Public Charge," and how that relates to immigration. While some of the materials are older, the definitions still apply.
More Information:
Immigrants & Public Benefits: State & Local
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
California Major Benefits Programs Available to Immigrants (May, 2017)
San Francisco Human Services Agency
Post-Election San Francisco Public Benefits FAQ (March 2017)
Chinese I English I Spanish | Tagalog | Russian | Vietnamese
Immigrants & Public Benefits: Basic Benefits Training Resources (March 2017)
Mostly Massachusetts focused, but some broader information as well