There are various social support programs in the United States, through which migrants can benefit from food, housing, and financial support.
Most of the social supports are granted directly from the United States government and state governments, generally federal programs have requirements such as being permanent residents with a Green Card, being a refugee, having asylum, among others.
Qualified immigrants, that is, people with Green Card holders, refugees, or asylees, can apply for federal public benefits such as Medicaid, Children's Health Coverage Programs (CHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
However, there is social support from non-profit organizations. National Latino Network explains that "Nonprofit charities can legally provide services to all people, regardless of immigration status." This provided it is respected that the services are not part of federal public benefits.
These types of organizations are exempt from verifying the immigration status of the beneficiaries of their programs, even if their sponsorships come from federal, state or local funds. Furthermore, they cannot be penalized for providing social benefits to non-US citizens or qualified immigrants.
Some of these benefits are: receiving advice and attention from the Legal Services Corporation or going to community health centers.
On the other hand, the US government has currently implemented programs to support rental housing payments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out if you are eligible for this program by clicking here.
States like California have assistance programs for immigrants, the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI). Designed for elderly immigrants, or those with a physical or motor disability, who qualify according to their criteria.
USA TODAY
NILC
https://www.nilc.org/issues/economic-support/overview-immeligfedprograms/
PEW TRUSTS
NATIONAL LATINO NETWORK
https://www.nationallatinonetwork.org/asscessing-resources/public-benefits/nonprofit-benefits
