Immigrant Relations

Provides education and resources regarding the issues, needs, and contributions of immigrants.

Immigrant Relations

At the Social Services Agency, we believe that public benefits strengthen families and serve the public good. We support access to services for all people and families living in Alameda County, regardless of immigrant status. Everyone must have access to medical care, nutrition, housing and essential services to thrive. We encourage clients and members of the public to contact any of our non-profit immigration service providers if they have questions about how the use of public benefits may impact their immigration status.

Did you know?

In Alameda County

  • 31% of county residents are foreign born
  • 43% speak a language other than English at home
  • 1 in 2 children have a foreign-born parent
 
Important to Remember
  • Information given to SSA is confidential and only used to determine eligibility for benefits. Services are available for individuals of any status. 

Public Charge

"Public Charge," refers to a test used by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to decide who may be admitted to the United States, who may renew certain visas, and who may obtain Lawful Permanent Residency (get a green card). The term is used in immigration law to describe someone who is likely to rely on government benefits for support. Under the current policy, most immigrants who are subject to public charge are not eligible for certain benefits. Healthcare, food, and housing assistance are not considered in the public charge assessment. The only benefits considered are "public cash assistance for income maintenance" and long-term institutionalization paid for by the government.

As of January 2025, the federal government has indicated an intention to change the rules regarding public charge. Changing this policy will require the federal government to issue new regulations.

Specifically, under the current policy:  

  • Medical treatment, testing or preventive services are not considered for public charge purposes.
  • Use of Medi-Cal, CalFresh, public housing, and section 8 voucher rental assistance are not considered when applying for legal permanent residency or entry into the United States.
  • The only programs considered when applying for legal permanent residency or entry into the country are: 
    • Cash assistance programs, such as CalWORKs, General Assistance, and SSI
    • Institutional long-term care paid for by Medi-Cal
  • Application or receipt of benefits for your children, spouse, or other family members will NOT be considered in a public charge assessment.
  • Many immigrants - such as refugees, asylees, TPS, VAWA Self-Petitioners, those with or applied to have Afghan or Iraqi immigrant visas, or T or U-visas, among others - are exempt from public charge.

Alameda County was the first California county to officially oppose the expansion of the definition of public charge back in October 2017. We remain committed to supporting policies that protect the well-being of our community and will pursue all avenues to ensure that the definition of public charge is not unjustly expanded under the current administration.