A 4456: Requires undocumented immigrants to submit to the same level of background checks as lawful immigrants in order to use certain state resources.
The bill requires undocumented immigrants to undergo the same level of background checks as lawful immigrants in order to access certain state resources. These resources include state payments for aged, blind and disabled persons, family assistance, safety net assistance, medical assistance, and other programs under the Social Services Law. To be eligible, undocumented immigrants must consent to and receive appropriate treatment for substance use disorders, not be a member of a totalitarian party or terrorist organization, not have been found guilty of a felony, and not have falsely claimed citizenship or legal resident status. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2026.
| Jan. 07, 2026 | referred to social services |
| Feb. 04, 2025 | referred to social services |
STATE OF NEW YORK ________________________________________________________________________ 4456 2025-2026 Regular Sessions IN ASSEMBLY February 4, 2025 ___________ Introduced by M. of A. MOLITOR -- read once and referred to the Commit- tee on Social Services AN ACT to amend the social services law, in relation to requiring undoc- umented immigrants to submit to the same level of background checks as lawful immigrants in order to use certain state resources The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem- bly, do enact as follows: 1 Section 1. Section 122 of the social services law is amended by adding 2 a new subdivision 7 to read as follows: 3 7. No person lacking lawful immigrant status shall be eligible for 4 state payments for aged, blind and disabled persons, family assistance, 5 safety net assistance, services funded under title XX of the federal 6 social security act, medical assistance, or any other assistance or 7 program under this chapter unless such person submits to a background 8 check and fully cooperates with the official conducting such background 9 check to ensure such person: 10 (a) has not been found to have a substance use disorder unless such 11 person has consented to and is receiving appropriate treatment; 12 (b) has not been a member of a totalitarian party or a terrorist 13 organization; 14 (c) has not been found guilty in a court of competent jurisdiction of 15 a crime which would be a felony if it occurred within the state; and 16 (d) has not falsely claimed citizenship or legal resident status. 17 § 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeed- 18 ing the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, 19 the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation neces- 20 sary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are 21 authorized to be made and completed on or before such effective date. EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [] is old law to be omitted. LBD08647-01-5