Unauthorized Aliens’ Access to Federal Benefits: Policy and Issues
"Federal law bars aliens residing without authorization in the United States from
most federal benefits; however, there is a widely held perception that many
unauthorized aliens obtain such benefits. The degree to which unauthorized resident
aliens should be accorded certain rights and privileges as a result of their residence in the United States, along with the duties owed by such aliens given their presence, remains the subject of intense debate in Congress. This report focuses on the policy and legislative debate surrounding unauthorized aliens’ access to federal benefits."