Page 25

25

j. Indicate whether it intends to provide assistance to non-citizens, and if so, include an overview of the assistance (section 402(a)(1)(B)(ii) of the Social Security Act) Mississippi will provide assistance to individuals who are not citizens of the United States only in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated 43-17-5 and subsequent amendments to the Social Security Act. The following qualified aliens are eligible:

a. For five years after obtaining the designated alien status:

• An alien admitted as a refugee defined under Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA); • An alien who is granted asylum defined under Section 208 of the INA; • An alien whose deportation is being withheld defined under Section 243 of the INA, or whose removal is being withheld under Section 241of the INA; or • An alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, if the alien entered the U.S. within the last five (5) years as a refugee, an asylee, or deportation was withheld.

b. For an unlimited period, the following qualified aliens lawfully admitted for permanent residence:

• Aliens who are veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces (honorably discharged for reasons other than alienage); active duty personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces (other than active duty for training), and their spouses and unmarried dependent children; and • Aliens who are lawfully admitted for permanent residence and have worked for 40 qualifying quarters of coverage or can be credited with such quarters, not including quarters beginning January 1, 1997 in which the alien received any Federal means- tested public benefit.

NOTE: Unlimited Period does not mean there are no time limits applicable to the TANF case; only that the qualified alien may receive benefits, if otherwise eligible, under the same time limit maximums as all other TANF assistance cases. Mississippi may provide assistance to victims of severe forms of trafficking to the same extent as aliens. k. Set forth objective criteria for the delivery of benefits and the determination of eligibility and for fair and equitable treatment, including an explanation of how it will provide opportunities for recipients who have been adversely affected to be heard in a State administrative or appeal process (section 402(a)(1)(B)(iii) of the Social Security Act)