CDSS has transmitted a letter from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service stating that receipt of CalFresh or other programs that do not provide cash does not impact immigration status. The letter clarifies that applying for or receiving CalFresh does not affect a recipient’s application to become, or existing status, as a lawful permanent resident.
The letter also reminds noncitizens that the only time an immigration officer can ask about use of CalFresh is when the interviewing officer suspects fraud. ACIN I-86-16 (December 6, 2016).