Contact: Scott Gunderson Rosa, (202) 833-6130

For Immediate Release: January 11, 2002

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today applauded the decision by President George W. Bush to restore food stamp benefits to legal immigrants who have resided in the country for at least five years. The proposal could help up to 363,000 people if approved by Congress.

"We are pleased to see that the President is concerned about the thousands of people who have had to struggle to feed their families since the laws were changed in 1996," said Rick Dovalina, LULAC National President. "He is doing the right thing by restoring the safety net that many legal residents need and are entitled to. Legal immigrants work and pay taxes that go to support this program. There is no reason they should not be eligible to benefit in the event that they are in need."

President Bush's plan would cost $2.1 billion over the next decade. The Senate is currently debating a farm bill that includes a similar plan, but does not restore benefits to as many people. The House farm bill fails to restore any immigrant benefits.

"We are confident that with the President's support, that food stamp benefits will be restored to legal immigrants this year," said Dovalina. "Since 1996, LULAC has urged Congress and the administration to restore all of the benefits that were taken from legal immigrants. Restoring food stamps this year will serve as a catalyst toward accomplishing that goal."

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the United States. LULAC advances the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans through community-based programs operating at more than 700 LULAC councils nationwide.