The May 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens emphasizes that certain requirements apply to you if you have sponsored (or will sponsor) an immigrant, or if you have otherwise agreed to make your income and assets available to help sponsor the immigrant, by filing:
- Form I-864, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA;
- Form I-864EZ, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act; or
- Form I-864A, Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member.
Since 1997, U.S. immigration law has required an alien’s sponsor to sign an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, pledging financial support for the sponsored immigrant. By signing and submitting this affidavit or a Contract between Sponsor and Household Member, signor/s agree to use their financial resources to support the immigrants named on the forms and to reimburse the cost of any means-tested public benefits that the sponsored alien receives while their obligation is in effect.
Reimbursing Means-Tested Public Benefits
Sometimes, sponsored immigrants apply for and receive means-tested public benefits from federal, state, local or tribal agencies. Means-tested public benefits include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the State Child Health Insurance Program.
If an immigrant named on sponsor’s affidavit of support receives a means-tested public benefit while the affidavit is enforceable, you, as the sponsor, will be responsible for reimbursing the agency providing the benefit. If you do not reimburse the agency, the agency can obtain a court order for repayment.
