Amendment #568 to H3400

relative to lawful permanent resident status

Representatives O'Connell of Taunton, DeCoste of Norwell, Dwyer of Woburn, Lombardo of Billerica and Mirra of West Newbury move to amend the bill by adding the following new section:-

“SECTION XXXX. Chapter 18 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section2B the following section:--

Section 2C. The immigration status of all applicants for the supplemental nutrition assistance program, transitional aid to families with dependent children, and emergency assistance to elders, disabled and children shall be verified for lawful permanent resident status. Notwithstanding any special or general law to the contrary, benefits shall not be granted to lawful permanent residents who have resided in the commonwealth for less than 5 years; provided that waivers may be granted to applicants applying for self-petition under a federally protected status, including, but not limited to, battered spouse, children and parents. If a waiver is granted to award benefits to a lawful permanent resident with less than 5 years residency, the department shall check and verify the assets of the sponsor of said lawful permanent resident; provided that such check may be waived if the applicant is applying for self-petition under a federally protected status, including, but not limited to, battered spouse, children and parents. The department shall file a quarterly report detailing the number of recipients of the supplemental nutrition assistance program, transitional aid to families with dependent children, and emergency assistance to elders, disabled and children with less than 5 years of lawful permanent resident status receiving benefits.”