Help for Undocumented and Legal Immigrants in the U.S.
Assistance is available for both undocumented immigrants and those who are legally present in the United States. The type and amount of help depends heavily on the state, local policies, and whether support is provided by a government agency or a private nonprofit. In many cases, charities and community organizations play a larger role than federal programs. As noted below, immigrants may find help with housing, food, medical care, legal services, employment support, and possibility even limited financial help.
Immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers need to be wary of scams / fraud as well. Explore our guide to avoiding scams, which is informed by years of experience since 2008. As unfortunately some organizations may try to take advantage of people who are not up to speed on the programs in the US or who may either not speak English or speak English as a second language.
Muchos de estos programas de ayuda están disponibles para todos, independientemente de su estatus migratorio. Aquí encontrará información sobre comida, salud, vivienda y servicios legales gratuitos. No necesita tener un número de Seguro Social para recibir ayuda de la mayoría de las organizaciones benéficas. Tenga cuidado con las estafas y nunca pague por solicitudes de ayuda gubernamental.
The primary categories of assistance programs on this page include the following
Since programs are limited and vary in nature, many organizations focus on helping children, pregnant women, seniors, and the otherwise vulnerable, such as maybe a newcomer with a medical issues. Services for undocumented children are especially common, as they are considered even more vulnerable and are often eligible for food, health, and educational support even when adults are not.
Many programs, and the organizations that administer them, serve immigrant communities in multiple languages. Spanish is the most common, but information on assistance programs is also offered in Mandarin, Vietnamese, Arabic, and other languages depending on the region. While there are never ever guarantees to receiving aid, or promises as to having the correct language or “support”, the agencies that try to help refugees do their best.
Note that programs listed below, including WIC, Head Start, and emergency medical care are generally not considered in "Public Charge" determinations. The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) has information on these programs and what Public Charge means. The National Immigration Law Center in keeps an updated list of terminology and resources at https://www.nilc.org/.
Housing options that may help immigrants
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Housing assistance for immigrants is limited but does exist in some areas, based on qualifications and resources. Federal government funded housing programs generally require lawful immigration status, but some local nonprofits, churches and charities try to provide help regardless of status.
- While the newcomer gets settled, short term rental assistance may be available through emergency funds, church-based programs, or local housing charities. This type of help with rental payments is usually temporary and often requires proof of income or the immediate start of income.
For immigrants without stable housing, emergency shelters and transitional housing programs may be an option. Availability varies by location, and many shelters place limits on length of stay. Some national charities operate homeless shelters that serve immigrants, while others restrict access based on funding rules.
When shelters are full as the weather is extreme or some other unusual issues arises, certain states and cities provide short-term motel or hotel vouchers, especially for families with children. These vouchers to help pay for lodging usually cover one or two nights and are meant to prevent people from sleeping outside.
Programs that may help immigrants get food
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Free food or a meal is one of the most widely available forms of support for immigrants. Emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, and community meal programs generally do not ask about immigration status. They tend to help anyone in need of something to eat - no questions asked. In some states, migrant and seasonal farmworkers are eligible for certain federally supported food programs, and nonprofit food providers such as a pantry in your area serve undocumented immigrants in every state.
 Long-term food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program / SNAP are limited and require various criteria. Undocumented adults are not eligible for SNAP, but lawfully present immigrants (as an example green-card holders) may qualify depending on their status and length of residency. Children who are U.S. citizens can receive SNAP food stamps even if their parents are undocumented. In addition, several states use their own funds to provide food benefits to children regardless of immigration status.
Pregnant women, new mothers, and young children may qualify for the Women, Infants, and Children program. Eligibility for WIC benefits is based on income and nutritional risk, not immigration status. WIC provides vouchers for formula and healthy foods, along with nutrition education and breastfeeding support. As noted, a focus is often on vulnerable kids there this program is commonly used by undocumented families with infants and toddlers.
Health care services for undocumented immigrants
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Medical care for undocumented immigrants is primarily limited to emergency services and community-based care, such as from a clinic. Emergency Medicaid (the main Medicaid website: https://www.medicaid.gov/) covers treatment for medical emergencies, including labor and delivery, regardless of immigration status. This coverage is required under federal law but does not extend to routine or preventive care.
Many immigrants (documented or not) rely on community health centers, free clinics, and charity-run medical programs. These clinics for medical care often use a sliding fee scale or provide care at no cost. Since an immigrant may not have insurance or have a low income, they may qualify for free care. Examples of services may include primary care, vaccinations, prenatal care, and chronic disease management. There are also dental clinics that can help immigrants by offering cleanings, extractions, and emergency care are also available in many areas.
Some states may use their own funds to provide broader health coverage to uninsured residents, including undocumented immigrants or asylum seekers. These health care for the uninsured programs are state-specific and often focus on children, pregnant women, or low-income adults which categories an immigrant may fall into. Coverage and eligibility rules vary widely, so availability depends on location.
Financial assistance programs and social services that may help immigrants
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Cash assistance for undocumented immigrants is difficult to obtain. Federal cash “welfare” type programs (namely TANF) do not cover undocumented adults. Limited financial help may be available through churches, mutual aid groups, or local charities. Assistance is usually small and intended to cover urgent needs such as food, transportation, or part of a rent payment.
In addition to the resources below, national legal guidance around accessing benefits and local or national assistance programs is also provided by the National Immigration Law Center. The organization publishes clear explanations on immigrant eligibility for public benefits, worker protections, and access to health care. Its materials are widely relied on by legal aid offices, clinics, and nonprofit service providers across the United States with the To see if you qualify for more specific assistance, review the National Immigration Law Center guidelines at https://www.nilc.org/.
Churches often provide aid as well as other types of support regardless of immigration status. Support may include food boxes, clothing, bus passes, help with utility bills, or small emergency grants. Religious affiliation is usually not required to get financial assistance from a church.
National charities, that may have a regional or local presence, also tend to assist immigrants with specific needs, such as housing placement, food, work clothing, or transportation for employment. These programs vary widely in what is offered and resources available, but immigrants may be able to get help from some charities that help pay bills.
Some immigrants turn to using loans when other options are unavailable, however borrowing money should always be a last resort and only even considered when all other options are not available. While not common, there are some loans that do not require a bank account or SSN, but they carry significant risk with terms often based on the immigrants weekly income. Be wary of Predatory Lending and terms. High fees and short repayment terms can lead to serious financial hardship. Borrowing money or using any loan option should be considered only after all other options have been explored.
Immigrants often need help managing money and starting to build credit scores, especially when they are unbanked. Prepaid cards for the unbanked are commonly used to receive wages, pay bills, and send money. They can also help newcomers enter the financial system. These products can help immigrants function without a traditional checking account, though fees vary by provider. Learn more about how immigrants can start to build credit.
Legal support becomes critical as part of the immigration process, even more so when deportation or detention is a risk. Nonprofit legal organizations and volunteer attorneys provide free legal consultation and representation in immigration court. These groups, many of which are nonprofits or pro bono lawyers, help immigrants understand their rights during encounters with immigration authorities and assist with asylum claims, family petitions, and humanitarian protections. They also try to help people apply for legal status or working permits when eligible, and seek protection under asylum or humanitarian programs
Children under age five may also receive meals and early education through Head Start programs. Immigration status is not a barrier to enrollment to get Head Start benefits. Children enrolled in Head Start receive free meals during the day and benefit from early learning and developmental services, with some schools maybe even offering ESL classes to kids. School-age children can also receive free breakfast and lunch at public schools without regard to immigration status.
Jobs and employment opportunities for immigrants
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Community-based support and rights information is offered nationally by United We Dream. The organization provides practical resources on legal rights, emergency planning, and support options for undocumented individuals and mixed-status families. It also works with local partners to connect immigrants to housing, food, and legal assistance when urgent needs arise. You might find additional options for help listed via United We Dream at https://unitedwedream.org/.
Employment assistance is another area where nonprofits play a major role in trying to help acclimate newcomers. Many organizations may offer free ESL classes, job readiness training, and workforce programs designed for immigrants. These services, when offered as availability varies, help newcomers gain skills needed for employment and adapt to the workplace.
Many immigrants also send money, generally a portion of their paycheck, to family members in other countries. Mobile apps and money transfer services allow funds to be sent overseas with lower fees than traditional wire services. These services are widely used by immigrant workers to remit a portion of their income to their home country and do not require a Social Security number.
Some immigrants earn income through informal or remote work. Opportunities vary by skill, language ability, and location among other factors. While these jobs that help people make an income working at can supplement household income, workers should be aware of legal and tax implications. Employment options outside traditional hiring systems are common, even such activities such as using hobbies for extra cash, but often unstable.
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