Meanwhile, church and other community-based food shelves have seen increased demand for emergency and supplemental assistance to immigrant families, especially families with children. In February 1999, President Clinton submitted a budget proposal for FY2000 including a provision to restore food stamp benefits to needy legal immigrants who resided in the U.S. prior to August 1996 and who turn age 65. Some vulnerable populations of more recent immigrants would also be eligible, including children and pregnant women, those who become disabled after immigrating to the U.S., and victims of domestic violence. Immigrants becoming disabled after arrival in the U.S. would also be able to access SSI and Medicaid. The sponsors of the legislation argue that such restorations are a matter of fairness and decency.
Immigrants pay taxes and contribute in important ways to the economy of their new country.