TL/DR –
Congress members Rob Menendez and Pramila Jayapal, along with 99 other lawmakers, introduced the Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration (LIFT the BAR) Act. The Act aims to remove barriers and reinstate federal public benefits for lawfully present immigrants. The Act, which has been endorsed by over 140 organizations, proposes to restore access to federal public benefits for lawfully present immigrants (including those with Lawful Permanent Resident status, DACA recipients, individuals with Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and other federally authorized non-citizens), restore eligibility for food assistance and health coverage, eliminate the five-year bar for Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, TANF, and the SSI program, remove arbitrary barriers, and restore flexibility for states and localities to offer benefits to immigrants with their own funds.
Introduction of the LIFT the BAR Act
Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08) and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) led the introduction of the LIFT the BAR Act, a piece of legislation that aims to restore eligibility for federal public benefits to lawfully present immigrants. The Act aims to remove barriers that currently prevent such immigrants from accessing these benefits.
Supporters’ Statements
Menendez emphasized the need to reverse the Trump Administration’s restrictive policies and ensure immigrants have access to benefits they help fund. He stated that immigrant families contribute to communities, the workforce, and the economy, and should not be excluded from public benefits.
Jayapal expressed her belief that immigrants have been unfairly demonized and deliberately hindered from accessing federal support programs despite contributing their fair share in taxes. She stressed the need to end xenophobic policies and ensure lawfully present immigrants can access these resources.
Expert Opinions
Wendy Chun-Hoon, President and Executive Director for the Center for Law and Social Policy, and Kica Matos, President of the National Immigration Law Center, both lauded the introduction of the LIFT the BAR Act. They emphasized the need for all families, regardless of their immigration status, to have access to basic supports such as healthcare and food assistance. They praised Representatives Jayapal and Menendez for their leadership and called on Congress to pass the bill swiftly.
The LIFT the BAR Act in Detail
The LIFT the BAR Act aims to reverse restrictions that were put in place by Republican lawmakers under the guise of “protecting” federal programs. The Act seeks to restore access to federal public benefits for lawfully present immigrants; it would lift the five-year waiting period for immigrants with legal status to access federal healthcare and nutrition assistance programs, and ensure immigrants have access to services based on the income and resources available to them.
Menendez’s Record and Further Information
Since coming to Congress, Menendez has been a vocal advocate for immigrant rights. He has repeatedly criticized President Trump and Republicans for their efforts to cut key programs like Medicaid and target the Affordable Care Act. The text of the LIFT the BAR Act can be found here.
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