Can You Apply For Citizenship If You Are Jobless

application for unemployment benefits for green card holders

It's happening to millions of Americans. And immigrants are no different. The COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent stay-at-home orders have shut down the economy and left many people unemployed. What's more, many immigrants are left wondering if it is safe to apply for unemployment benefits. Unemployment insurance (UI) rules are complicated. And the Trump administration's new public charge rule has created a level of fear that just adds to the anxiety of having no job. The good news is that there are unemployment benefits for green card holders and certain other immigrants. Here's what you need to know.

Unemployment Insurance Explained

Unemployment insurance (UI) provides payments to certain workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own. An employee who quits a job is generally not eligible. However, those that have been laid off or fired are typically eligible to receive benefits. The amount that workers receive depends on the wages that worker earned during a "base period." The base period varies by state, but it generally covers the past 12 to 18 months of employment.

The purpose of unemployment insurance is to help you while you're between jobs. It provides temporary financial support with the expectation that you will actively search for a new job.

Unemployment benefits are not a type of welfare. It is insurance. Taxpayers don't pay the bill. The cost of unemployment insurance is paid by the employee and employer while working during the base period.

UI Eligibility for Immigrants

There are three basic requirements for unemployment insurance eligibility. Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Be unemployed "through no fault of their own"
If you were laid off due to the coronavirus outbreak, you meet this requirement. If you quit a job, this generally will disqualify you from UI.
Have enough wages earned or hours worked in their "base period" to establish a claim
If you worked full-time over the last 18 months, you almost certainly meet this requirement. Each state has a different base period. Your benefit is likely reduced if you did not work full-time or did not work the entire base period.
Be "able and available" to work
If you were authorized to work in the United States, you generally meet this requirement. Anyone with a valid green card or work permit is authorized.

The third requirement is important and where some immigrants may get disqualified. You must have valid employment authorization during the base period, at the time you apply for unemployment benefits, and during the period that you receive your benefits.

In this way, UI can be different for some immigrants as compared to citizens. American citizens are always authorized to work in the United States. Permanent residents, individuals with employment visas, and individuals lawfully present with an employment authorization card, are all authorized to work in the U.S. Certain immigrants may not meet this requirement if they let their work authorization expire or don't have evidence of work authorization.

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The U.S. Department of Labor states that says that in order to be "able and available" for work, an immigrant worker must have work authorization at the time they apply for benefits. The Department's most recent model notice to employers indicates that workers must have both work authorization and a Social Security number to receive benefits.

The employment authorization will eliminate most undocumented immigrants from collecting UI benefits. However, there are specific categories of undocumented immigrants that may be eligible. For example, DACA and TPS recipients with employment authorization are lawfully present and allowed to work.

What You'll Need to Make a Claim

Each state's documentation requirements for unemployment insurance claims is different. Generally, you should expect to submit the following information:

Information about all employers during the last 18 months. This may include the company name, supervisor's name, address (mailing and physical location) and phone number.
Most recent date worked and the reason you are no longer working.
Gross earnings from your employment.
Dates of employment and hours worked.
Your Social Security card and number.
Citizenship status, and, if you are not a U.S. citizen, information from your employment authorization document.

Again, the list above is typical but can vary by state. Contact your state's UI office for specific information. Immigrants who have let their documentation lapse or lost immigration identification may not be able to make a claim until filing new USCIS forms to replace or renew.

Permanent Residents

Permanent residents should have a valid green card and expect to provide their alien registration number and green card card number. Modern green cards contain both numbers. Older versions of the card may not. If you have lost your card, you may file Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card. Although you will likely not receive a new card for several months, USCIS will respond within approximately 2-3 weeks with a receipt number (also known as the green card number).

Individuals who are lawfully present with employment authorization may include adjustment of status applicants, DACA recipients, TPS recipients, asylees, refugees and a variety of other statuses. All should have a valid, unexpired employment authorization card before applying for unemployment benefits. Generally, you will need your alien registration number and expiration date of the card. If you have lost your card, you may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Although you will likely not receive a new card for several months, USCIS will respond within approximately 2-3 weeks with a receipt number.

Nonimmigrant Employment Visa Holders

Nonimmigrant visa holders with an employment visa may include categories such as H-1B, L-1, O-1 and TN to name a few. These UI applicants will generally need an unexpired passport with their visa and I-94 inside. They'll need to report details such as the I-94 arrival/departure record, visa number, and visa expiration date.

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Public Charge

The Trump administration's new interpretation of the public charge rule has many immigrants scared to apply for benefits. Unemployment benefits are a form of insurance. For the purposes of the public charge review, unemployment benefits are an "earned benefit" that isn't considered. In fact, USCIS specifically states that it will not consider unemployment benefits in the public charge inadmissibility determination. Naturalized U.S. citizens and permanent residents should have no fear of public charge consequences from filing for unemployment benefits.

Generally, applying for and accepting unemployment benefits should not affect green card applicants either. However, individual circumstances can vary. For the reason, speak to an immigration attorney if you are currently applying for a green card or plan to in the future.

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CitizenPath provides simple, affordable, step-by-step guidance through USCIS immigration applications. Individuals, attorneys and non-profits use the service on desktop or mobile device to prepare immigration forms accurately, avoiding costly delays. CitizenPath allows users to try the service for free and provides a 100% money-back guarantee that USCIS will approve the application or petition. We provide support for green card replacement (Form I-90), work permit replacement (Form I-765), citizenship certificate replacement (Form N-565), and several other immigration packages.