Court Order Stopping DSHS From Ending Food Assistance for Legal Immigrants Reversed by Ninth Circuit
In December 2010, the Department of Social and Health Services tried to
end the state-funded, Food Assistance Program for Legal Immigrants
(FAP). It took this action because of the continuing crisis in the
state's budget. FAP gives state-funded food assistance to legal
immigrants. Legal immigrants aren't eligible to receive food assistance
(food stamps) from the federal government because of their immigration
status (undocumented people are not eligible for state or federal help).
DSHS sent letters to those on FAP. These letters said their food
assistance would stop February 1, 2011. Judge Pechman, a federal judge
in Seattle, stopped DSHS from ending FAP last year. As a result, more
than 10,000 Washington households continued to receive food assistance.
On February 29, 2012, the Ninth Circuit reversed Judge Pechman. The Ninth Circuit Court vacated her order on appeal. Read the opinion here.
Find out more:
- What does this decision mean?
- What is likley to happen next?
- What are the immigration requirement for federal food assistance?
- Where can I find legal advice and assistance?
Updated 3/8/2012
