Senate Passes SSI Extension For Refugees

The Senate passed a bill which will extend the time limited eligibility of refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants...

The Senate, as one of its final acts before its summer recess, passed a bill which will extend the time limited eligibility of refugees, asylees and other humanitarian immigrants for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits from the current 7 years to a total of 9 years from the date the status was granted. The bill, which was approved by unanimous consent, would provide the additional two years of eligibility both to those currently within the 7-year period and those for whom it previously expired.

H.R. 2608, the “SSI Extension for Elderly and Disabled Refugees Act,” had passed the House last year. Although the provision had broad bipartisan support in the Senate, Senate passage was repeatedly prevented by several Senators placing holds on the bill, one after the other. Sen. Gordon Smith (R-OR) and his staff are to be commended for having played a pivotal role in negotiating the various demands of the Senators who placed the holds. Since the bill was modified somewhat as a result of these negotiations, it must now go back to the House in September where it is expected to pass readily. The President has already indicated he will sign the bill when it reaches his desk.