    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [August 22, 1996]
    [Pages 1331-1332]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on the Eligibility of Aliens for Food Stamps
    August 22, 1996

    Memorandum for the Secretary of Agriculture

    Subject: Eligibility of Aliens for Food Stamps

        Under the provisions of the Personal Responsibility and Work
    Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996, which today I signed into law,
    aliens receiving food stamps as of the date of enactment will continue
    to receive benefits until recertification of their eligibility, which
    shall take place not more than 1 year after enactment of the law. The
    results of the certification, including decisions as to an individual's
    immigration classification, veteran status, or work history, will
    determine whether the individual remains eligible for benefits under the
    Food Stamp program. Implementation of these new procedures will pose a
    substantial challenge for all involved Federal and State agencies.
        To ensure that eligibility determinations are made fairly,
    accurately, and effectively, I direct you to take the steps necessary
    under your authority to permit the State agencies to extend the
    certification periods of currently participating aliens, provided that
    no certification period is extended to longer than 12 months, or up to
    24 months if all adult household members are elderly or disabled, and
    provided that in

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    no event shall certifications be extended beyond August 22, 1997.
        I further direct you to notify the States of the actions you have
    taken.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary
    on August 23.