To make matters worse, minorities are often subjected to discrimination in welfare offices. The system is designed to discourage welfare receipt, and consequently cut welfare rolls, instead of helping recipients become fully self-sufficient. Even many former welfare recipients endure financial hardship. Overall, welfare reform is resulting in decreased access to health insurance, childcare, and nutrition programs for eligible, former welfare recipients. Facts About Puerto Ricans and Welfare Reform Welfare reform has decreased support services for the most vulnerable - children.
Discrimination persists as states rush to decrease the number of welfare recipients.
Testimony in a class-action lawsuit against New York City in 1998 revealed that welfare workers discriminated against immigrants, teenagers, and women who attempted to apply for welfare and food stamps without their husbands by refusing to consider their application . Hispanics are trapped in the system. Childcare is scarce and a barrier to remaining on the job. An estimated 9 out of 10 children eligible for childcare subsidies do not get help. Unemployed parents cited inadequate job skills and education as a barrier to working.