Number: RL31753
Title: Immigration: Noncitizen Eligibility for Needs-Based Housing Programs
Authors: Alison Siskin and Maggie McCarty, Domestic Social Policy Division 
Abstract: Noncitizen eligibility varies among the needs-based housing programs1 administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Two laws govern noncitizen treatment in housing programs: Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 19962 and Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980, as amended. There is uncertainty surrounding how the eligibility requirements of PRWORA and Section 214 interact, leading to conflicting interpretations of the categories of noncitizens eligible for certain housing programs. Also, the documentation requirements for establishing eligible immigration status reflect the differing eligibility rules and are dependent on (1) the housing program, (2) the citizenship status of the applicant, and (3) the age of the applicant.
Pages: 13
Date: July 18, 2008