This bill removes restrictions that currently prevent legal immigrants from accessing certain federal benefits programs. Right now, many immigrants who are lawfully living in the U.S. face waiting periods or are completely blocked from getting help through programs like Medicaid (health insurance for low-income people), CHIP (health insurance for children), cash assistance through TANF, SSI (disability and elderly benefits), and programs that help with food and housing. The LIFT the BAR Act would eliminate these barriers, allowing legal immigrants to access these same safety net programs that U.S. citizens can use. This means that legal immigrants who meet the income and other requirements could get health coverage for themselves and their children, receive disability or elderly support if they qualify, and access food and housing assistance without facing citizenship-based restrictions. The bill essentially says that if you're legally living here and you need help, you shouldn't be denied benefits just because you're not yet a citizen.

LIFT the BAR Act of 2023

Hirono, Mazie K.

Lifting Immigrant Families Through Benefits Access Restoration Act of 2023 or the LIFT the BAR Act of 2023This bill repeals certain limits on the eligibility of noncitizens who lawfully reside in the United States for federal means-tested programs, including Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), programs funded through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grants, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and certain nutrition and housing programs.