AJC Urges Congress to Extend SSI Benefits for Refugees

Published: 2010-09-30
Author: American Jewish Committee
Peer-Reviewed: N/A
Related Papers: Latest Items - Full List

Synopsis: AJC urged Congress to act immediately to extend Supplemental Security Income benefits for 3,000 elderly and disabled refugees. AJC urged Congress to act immediately to extend Supplemental Security Income benefits for 3,000 elderly and disabled refugees and humanitarian immigrants in the United States whose benefits are due to expire Friday.

Main Digest

AJC urged Congress to act immediately to extend Supplemental Security Income benefits for 3,000 elderly and disabled refugees and humanitarian immigrants in the United States whose benefits are due to expire Friday.

Jews who fled oppression in the Soviet Union, victims of sex trafficking, and Kurds who suffered brutally under Saddam Hussein are among those who could lose their benefits.

"After our nation justly welcomed these refugees, it must not now abandon them," said AJC Executive Director David Harris, who commended Senator Kirsten Gillibrand's leadership on this issue. "We trust Congress will move expeditiously to ensure these victims are not forgotten."

While non-citizens do not usually receive Social Security payments, refugees who fled war or were victims of torture were granted exceptions as long as they became U.S. citizens within seven years. However, many were unable to meet that deadline due to their inability to travel, bureaucratic backlogs or prohibitively high fees associated with the citizenship process.

Share This Information To:
𝕏.com Facebook Reddit

Discover Related Topics:

Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is an independent disability community founded in 2004 to provide disability news and information to people with disabilities, seniors, their family and/or carers. See our homepage for informative reviews, exclusive stories and how-tos. You can connect with us on social media such as X.com and our Facebook page.

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/refugee-ssi-benefits.php">AJC Urges Congress to Extend SSI Benefits for Refugees</a>

Cite This Page (APA): American Jewish Committee. (2010, September 30). AJC Urges Congress to Extend SSI Benefits for Refugees. Disabled World. Retrieved September 26, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/disability/social-security/usa/refugee-ssi-benefits.php

Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified professional medical care, nor should they be construed as such. Funding is derived from advertisements or referral programs. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.