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201.7 TANF MANUAL 7/15 Page 1c

If an alien presents expired documents as evidence of his immigration status, or has no documentation, refer the alien to the local USCIS office to obtain documentation of status. In unusual cases involving aliens who have physical or mental disabilities that limit their ability to obtain or provide the required evidence, the worker should make every effort to assist the individual to obtain the required evidence. If the alien can provide an alien registration number, the worker should file Form G-845S Document Verification Request along with the alien registration number and a copy of any expired USCIS document presented with the local USCIS office to verify status.

Note: If a USCIS receipt for a replacement document was used to verify qualified alien status, obtain a copy of the actual replacement document at the next renewal.

B. Sponsored Aliens

Aliens may be sponsored by either an individual or an agency/organization. Sponsorship satisfies a requirement of the USCIS that an individual petitioning to come to the U.S. is not likely to become a "public charge".

1. Agency/Organization Sponsor - If sponsored by an agency/organization, eligibility for TANF does not exist for the first three years of U.S. residence unless the agency/organization no longer exists or is financially unable to provide support.

Certain Soviet Jewish refugees have been admitted to the United States under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of State and two private Jewish agencies, the Council of Jewish Aid and the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society. The MOU states that the sponsoring agency will ensure that these refugees do not require cash, medical or SNAP assistance for two years after their admission to the U.S. Refugees admitted under this MOU will possess USCIS Arrival-Departure Records (I-94) which contain the following statement:

"This refugee is sponsored by the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and (name of local Jewish organization). Private resources are available. If assistance is sought, please call (name of local Jewish agency) at (phone number)."

The sponsorship statement is to be regarded by the worker as a lead that other income and resources may be available to meet the refugee's needs. The sponsoring agency must be contacted to determine the actual availability of any income and/or resources and use such verified information in the determination of the unit's eligibility. It is not, however, appropriate to deny an application for assistance solely on the basis of the sponsorship statement on the refugee's I-94.

2. Individual Sponsor - Individuals who petition USCIS to become a sponsor of an alien must execute an affidavit of support. In some situations, an alien may be sponsored by more than one individual. Refer to Section 305.4.D. regarding sponsor deeming requirements and alien groups exempt from sponsor deeming. Sponsor deeming requirements apply only to individual sponsors.

TANF Transmittal 56