CalWORKs Policy - Department of Public Social Services

When an individual is born in a U.S. territory,
is he/she considered U.S. citizen?
Yes, individuals born in U.S. territories are
American nationals and are entitled to enter the
U.S. for permanent residence at any time without
going through the immigration procedures. These
individuals are considered U.S. citizens. The U.S.
territories are:
• American Samoa;
• Guam;
• Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), provided the
individual has been issued a U.S. passport or a
certificate of identity issued by the
Commonwealth of NMI. The main islands are
Saipan, Tinian and Rota;
• Puerto Rico;
• Swains Island; and
• Virgin Islands.
Can aid be authorized for a non-citizen who
has temporary residence?
An alien who declares or presents documentation
that he/she is lawfully present for temporary
residence (e.g., a visitor whose period of
admission has not expired, etc.) is not eligible for
CalWORKs except under Section 212(d)(5),
Aliens Granted Temporary Parole Status by the
Attorney General.
Are non-citizens required to have Social
Security Numbers (SSN)?
As a condition of eligibility, applicants must
provide a Social Security Number or verification
that an application for an SSN has been filed with
the Social Security Administration (SSA).
See CW 69-201.1 Trafficking Victims for
additional information.