[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 32, Number 35 (Monday, September 2, 1996)]
[Pages 1496-1497]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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 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, and it was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.

[[Page 1497]]