Disabled and Elderly Refugees and Asylees Sue Federal Government

Elderly and disabled humanitarian immigrants fleeing persecution abroad are filing a class action lawsuit in federal court in Philadelphia against the federal government to restore their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. These benefits — paid to severely disabled, blind and elderly poor people — were cut off because, despite the immigrants’ best efforts, they have not been able to become U.S. citizens due to governmental delays. The lawsuit is being filed by Community Legal Services, the Hebrew and Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) and Council Migration Service and pro bono counsel at the Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll. The named plaintiffs are refugees and asylees who have been welcomed into the country based on the long-standing national policy offering refuge to those at risk for their lives abroad. These lawful immigrants are being terminated from the subsistence SSI benefit that the Social Security Administration provides to low income disabled, blind and elderly people. SSI pays $603 a month to a person, $904 monthly to a couple. To see the complaint, click here.  For the press relese, click here.

KJ