Final data for 1998. This week the Supreme Court refused to hear a case challenging parts of the 1996 welfare law that made some legal immigrants ineligible for federal assistance like Medicaid and food stamps, the Washington Post reports. The challenge to the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 was brought by the City of Chicago and was supported by other cities. According to an American Health Line report, although the 1996 welfare reform law barred immigrants' access to benefits until they had lived in the US for 5 years, Congress has since restored benefits for immigrants younger than 18, for disabled immigrants, and for other groups. Greenhouse L. 2000, March 27.
Justices reject case on cutting welfare for legal immigrants.
Biskupic J. 2000, March 28. Challenge to welfare reform act rejected. National Journal's Daily Briefing. Upholds denial of benefits to noncitizens. 2000, March 28.