Final Report of the Subcommittee on Domestic Trafficking

Department <strong>of</strong> AgricultureFood and Nutrition ServiceFood Stamp ProgramService: Food Stamp Program (FSP) – Serves as <strong>the</strong> centerpiece and primary source <strong>of</strong>nutrition assistance for over 25 million low-income people in an average month. Itenables eligible people, over 50% <strong>of</strong> whom are children, to improve <strong>the</strong>ir diets byincreasing food purchasing power using electronic benefits that are redeemed at retailgrocery stores across <strong>the</strong> country.Agency: USDA – Food and Nutrition ServiceRepresented on <strong>Subcommittee</strong> by: Rich LucasI. Domestic VictimsA. Domestic victims who are U.S. Citizens and adults:Are eligible if <strong>the</strong>y meet program income and asset criteria; no specific FSP rules fordomestic trafficking victims who are U.S. citizens.Eligible households with very low income and resources may be eligible for expeditedservice and can get benefits within seven days.Eligible women and children may be served while <strong>the</strong>y reside in shelters for batteredwomen and children or homeless shelters.B. Domestic victims who are legal U.S. residents and adults:Most aliens who are “lawfully present” in <strong>the</strong> U.S. are not eligible to participate in <strong>the</strong>FSP, unless <strong>the</strong>y meet <strong>the</strong> definition <strong>of</strong> a “qualified alien,” and meet certain o<strong>the</strong>rconditions, most commonly a five-year residency requirements.Refugees (includes certified by ORR as victims <strong>of</strong> severe forms <strong>of</strong> trafficking); andcertain asylees, deportees; Cuban or Haitian entrants; and Amerasian immigrants areeligible without a waiting period.However, adult trafficking victims who are LPRs, battered immigrants, parolees, orconditional entrants have a five-year waiting period.C. Domestic victims who are U.S. Citizens and minors (under 18):Are eligible if <strong>the</strong>y meet program income and asset criteria.There are no specific FSP rules for domestic trafficking victims for minor U.S. citizenchildren.U.S. citizen children may participate even if <strong>the</strong> parent is ineligible.D. Domestic victims who are legal U.S. residents and minors (under 18):16