Immigration Resources
Immigrants are a valued part of our community. They are embedded in every thread from our participants to staff, and our family members.
At WIC, we believe no one’s well being should be compromised because of their immigration status. We respect and welcome any person that walks into our WIC centers because everyone deserves access to resources that keep themselves and their families healthy — regardless of immigration status.
You do not need to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for WIC. WIC does not ask for or collect your immigration or citizenship information.
You can still continue to use your WIC benefits, attend your WIC appointments, and stay in contact with your local WIC office for support and guidance.
We understand that navigating immigration-related concerns can be challenging. To support you, we’ve compiled a list of trusted immigration resources offering helpful information and guidance.
Public Charge
Starting September 18, 2026, immigration officers may consider WIC participation as one factor in public charge determinations for certain immigration status decisions, including some green card or visa applications.
A public charge decision is based on your overall circumstances, and using WIC does not automatically mean your application will be denied. If you are concerned that using public benefits could affect your immigration status, you should speak with a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions about your benefits.
We understand that navigating immigration-related concerns can be challenging. To support you, we’ve put together a list of trusted immigration resources offering helpful information and guidance.
Keep Your Benefits (KYB) Public Charge, Benefits and Immigration - keepyourbenefits.org
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Public Charge - ilrc.org/areas-expertise/public-charge
Protecting Immigrant Families (PIF) Coalition Public Charge Regulation Toolkit -pifcoalition.org/toolkits/public-charge-regulation
National Immigration Law Center (NIC) Public Charge - nilc.org/resources/public-charge-applicability-table-for-advocates
Legal Aid:
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights - chirla.org/resources/immigrant-assistance-line-2
Immigrant Legal Resource Center - immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory
Helpful Websites
ACLU of Southern California - aclusocal.org/en
Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL) - ajsocal.org/immigration
NALEO Education Fund - naleo.org/apply-for-deferred-action
National Immigration Legal Services Directory - immigrationadvocates.org/legaldirectory
San Bernardino Community Service Center - sbcscinc.org
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) - chirla.org
USDA Food and Nutrition Service for Non-Citizen Communities - fns.usda.gov/non-citizen-communities
Resources
ACLU - Know Your Immigrant’ Rights (Spanish) (Vietnamese)
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. Learn more about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them.
Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) - Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan (English PDF) (Spanish PDF)
Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan in case of an emergency. It is critical for immigrant families to think ahead and set more concrete plans for immigration emergencies that can arise.
Your Rights, Your Privacy
At WIC we respect and welcome every person who walks through our doors. We are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate services regardless of immigration status.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does use of this website create an attorney-client relationship. The information on this website is provided as-is without any warranties and we are not liable for any damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this website or the information contained herein. This website may contain links to third-party websites for your convenience. We do not endorse or assume responsibility for the accuracy or content of any third-party websites. Accessing linked third-party websites is done at your own risk.
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Contact Us
We’re here to help! Our team is available to answer questions on the phone or over email.
(714) 973-2411 | WIC@PPOSBC.org
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
WIC is not and has never been a factor in public charge determinations. Every eligible family can be certified for WIC regardless of immigration status.