October 15, 2024 Dear John, Other than refugees, noncitizens living in the United States face significant restrictions on access to public benefits funded by the federal government. This is particularly the case for unauthorized immigrants, who except in very limited circumstances are barred from all federally funded public benefits. Today, the Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is out with its latest explainer, this one detailing public benefits eligibility and use at the federal level in programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. The explainer also examines benefits use, with research finding that eligible immigrants often use benefits at lower rates than the U.S. born due to factors including bureaucratic hurdles, language barriers, and the "chilling effect" of the public charge rule. And it discusses the differing picture at the state level, with some states electing to use their funds to expand benefits access, creating a patchwork of eligibility across the country. These findings highlight the complex interplay between federal policies, state decisions, and the experiences of immigrant families, including mixed-status ones. As debates around immigration continue, it is crucial to understand the reality of benefit access and use among immigrant populations. For a more detailed dive on immigrants’ eligibility for U.S. public benefits, check out our useful primer, broken down by federal program and immigration statuses. Also, check out our recent explainers on noncitizens and voting and a profile of the U.S. immigrant population. We hope these insights prove useful in your work. | 
