Q: Can receiving Cash Assistance from NYC affect my application for a citizenship in the future?
A:
Receiving Cash Assistance from NYC can potentially affect your application for citizenship, but it depends on various factors. USCIS considers whether an applicant is likely to become a "public charge," meaning primarily dependent on the government for subsistence. However, the rules about what benefits count towards public charge determination can change.
Cash Assistance programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) are typically considered when evaluating public charge status. However, not all public benefits are counted against you. Benefits such as Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), and housing assistance are not typically considered under the current rules.
It’s important to stay informed about the current immigration policies, as they can evolve. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help you understand how your specific situation might be affected and guide you through the process to ensure your application is as strong as possible. Always keep thorough records of your financial situation and any benefits you receive.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
