State-Level Benefits and Restrictions for Non-Citizens in South Dakota

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Key Takeaways

• Non-citizens in South Dakota have limited Medicaid access; refugees get Refugee Medical Assistance for 12 months.
• SB 75 bill would require driver’s licenses to show citizenship status to prevent illegal voting.
• Emergency Medicaid and some public benefits are available to all, but most benefits need legal status.

South Dakota’s Approach to Non-Citizens: Medicaid, Driver’s Licenses, and state benefits

South Dakota is home to a growing number of immigrants, refugees, and other non-citizens who contribute to the state’s economy and communities. But when it comes to state-level benefits—like healthcare and driver’s licenses—non-citizens face a mix of opportunities and restrictions. As lawmakers debate new policies, these rules are changing, with real impacts on people’s daily lives.

State-Level Benefits and Restrictions for Non-Citizens in South Dakota

This article explains what non-citizens can and cannot access in South Dakota, focusing on Medicaid eligibility, driver’s licenses, and other public benefits. We’ll look at the latest legislative changes, what they mean for different groups, and what non-citizens should know about their rights and options.

Who Are Non-Citizens in South Dakota?

Non-citizens include anyone living in the United States 🇺🇸 who is not a U.S. citizen. This group covers:

Lawful permanent residents (green card holders)
Refugees and people granted asylum
People with temporary visas (like students or workers)
Undocumented immigrants (those without legal status)

Each group faces different rules for state benefits. The type of immigration status a person has often decides what help they can get from the state.

Medicaid Eligibility for Non-Citizens

Medicaid is a government health insurance program for people with low incomes. In South Dakota, Medicaid is run by the state but follows federal rules. Not everyone can get Medicaid—especially non-citizens.

Who Can Get Medicaid?

U.S. citizens: Eligible if they meet income and other requirements.
Lawful permanent residents (green card holders): May qualify, but usually only after living in the United States 🇺🇸 for at least five years.
Refugees and certain visa holders: Some exceptions allow these groups to get Medicaid sooner.
Undocumented immigrants: Not eligible for regular Medicaid, but can get emergency Medicaid.

Emergency Medicaid

Emergency Medicaid is a special program that covers urgent medical needs, like a trip to the emergency room. It is available to everyone, no matter their immigration status. This means even undocumented immigrants can get help in a medical emergency.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA)

Refugees who do not qualify for Medicaid can get Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA). This program gives healthcare coverage for up to twelve months after arriving in the United States 🇺🇸. After that, refugees must meet regular Medicaid rules to keep getting help.

How to Apply

Non-citizens who think they might qualify for Medicaid or RMA should contact the South Dakota Department of Social Services. The department’s website explains eligibility and how to apply. You can find more information and application forms on the official South Dakota Medicaid page.

Key Points:
– Medicaid eligibility for non-citizens is limited.
– Emergency Medicaid is available to all, regardless of status.
– Refugees can get RMA for their first year in the United States 🇺🇸.

Driver’s Licenses for Non-Citizens

Having a driver’s license is important for daily life in South Dakota, especially in rural areas where public transportation is limited. Non-citizens can get a driver’s license, but there are strict rules about what documents they must show.

Current Requirements

To get a driver’s license, non-citizens must prove they are in the United States 🇺🇸 legally. This means showing documents like:

A valid passport
A permanent resident card (green card)
A visa with supporting paperwork

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety handles driver’s licenses. Their website lists the exact documents needed and how to apply. For more details, visit the official driver’s license requirements page.

Proposed Changes: SB 75

A new bill, SB 75, has passed both the South Dakota Senate and House. If signed by the Governor, it will require all new driver’s licenses and state ID cards to show the person’s citizenship status. The goal is to help poll workers check who is allowed to vote, since only U.S. citizens can vote in federal and state elections.

What Would Change?
– Driver’s licenses and ID cards would clearly show if the holder is a U.S. citizen or not.
– This would make it easier for officials to check citizenship at voting sites.

Why Is This Happening?
– Supporters, like Sen. Amber Hulse, say it will stop non-citizens from voting and protect election integrity.
– Critics, including Rep. Kadyn Wittman, worry it could lead to discrimination or mistakes, since there is little evidence of non-citizens voting in South Dakota.

As of early March 2025, the bill is waiting for the Governor’s signature. If it becomes law, it will affect all non-citizens who apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID.

Key Points:
– Non-citizens can get a driver’s license if they show proof of lawful status.
– SB 75 would require licenses to show citizenship status.
– The bill aims to prevent non-citizens from voting, but some worry about discrimination.

Other Public Benefits and Restrictions

Non-citizens in South Dakota face limits on other public benefits, too. These include help with food, housing, and cash assistance. Most programs require U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency, with a few exceptions.

What Benefits Are Restricted?

Food assistance (SNAP): Usually only for citizens and some lawful permanent residents.
Cash assistance (TANF): Similar rules as SNAP.
Housing help: Most federal housing programs require citizenship or certain immigration statuses.

Exceptions

Refugees and asylees: Often qualify for more benefits, at least for a limited time after arrival.
Emergency services: Available to everyone, regardless of status.

Why These Rules Exist

Federal law sets many of these restrictions, but states like South Dakota can decide how to run some programs. The idea is to limit public benefits to people who are in the United States 🇺🇸 legally, but this can leave many non-citizens without help when they need it.

The Debate Over Election Integrity and Discrimination

The push to add citizenship status to driver’s licenses is part of a larger debate about election security. Supporters say it will help stop illegal voting. Opponents argue that there is little proof of non-citizens voting and that the new rule could lead to unfair treatment.

Supporters’ View

Sen. Amber Hulse: Says the bill is needed to make sure only citizens vote.
Rep. Mary Fitzgerald: Believes it will help keep elections legal and fair.

Critics’ Concerns

Rep. Kadyn Wittman: Worries about how the rule will be put into practice and whether it could lead to mistakes or discrimination.
Civil rights groups: Say the change could make life harder for non-citizens, who might face more questions or suspicion when using their ID.

What Does the Data Say?

There is little evidence that non-citizens are voting in South Dakota. Critics say the bill solves a problem that does not really exist, while supporters argue it is better to be safe.

Practical Implications for Non-Citizens

The rules and proposed changes have real effects on non-citizens living in South Dakota. Here’s what different groups should know:

For Immigrants and Refugees

Healthcare: Access is limited, except for emergencies or if you are a refugee in your first year.
Driver’s licenses: You can get one if you have legal status, but your license may soon show your citizenship.
Public benefits: Most are off-limits unless you have a green card, refugee status, or another special status.

For Employers

Hiring: You must check work authorization, but driver’s licenses are often used as ID. Changes to licenses could affect hiring paperwork.
Discrimination: Be careful not to treat workers differently based on what their license says about citizenship.

For Poll Workers and Election Officials

Checking ID: If SB 75 becomes law, you’ll have a new tool to check citizenship at the polls.
Training: You’ll need to learn how to use the new licenses and avoid mistakes that could stop eligible voters from casting a ballot.

For Law Enforcement

Traffic stops: Officers may see citizenship status on licenses, which could affect how they interact with drivers.
Bias concerns: There is a risk of increased scrutiny or profiling of non-citizens.

What Non-Citizens Should Do

If you are a non-citizen living in South Dakota, here are some steps you can take:

Check your eligibility: For Medicaid, RMA, and other benefits, visit the South Dakota Department of Social Services for up-to-date rules.
Gather documents: Make sure you have the right papers to apply for a driver’s license or renew your current one.
Stay informed: Follow news about SB 75 and other laws that could affect your rights.
Ask for help: If you have questions, contact local immigrant support groups or legal aid organizations.

Looking Ahead: The Future for Non-Citizens in South Dakota

The fate of SB 75 will shape how non-citizens interact with state services in the coming years. If the Governor signs the bill, South Dakota will join a small group of states that put citizenship status on driver’s licenses and ID cards.

Possible Outcomes:
– More scrutiny: Non-citizens may face more questions when using their ID.
– Access to services: Some may worry about using their license for things like banking or renting a home.
– Community impact: The change could affect how non-citizens feel about living and working in South Dakota.

Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that while the bill’s supporters see it as a way to protect elections, the real impact will be felt by non-citizens in their daily lives. The risk of discrimination or confusion is real, especially if people do not understand the new rules.

Resources for Non-Citizens

If you need more information or help, here are some official resources:

These sites offer the latest updates on laws, benefits, and how to apply for services.

Conclusion: What This Means for South Dakota’s Non-Citizens

South Dakota’s rules for non-citizens are changing, especially when it comes to Medicaid eligibility and driver’s licenses. While some help is available—like emergency Medicaid and short-term refugee assistance—most public benefits are out of reach for non-citizens without special status.

The proposed SB 75 bill could make life more complicated for non-citizens, putting their citizenship status on display every time they show their ID. Supporters say this will protect elections, but critics warn it could lead to discrimination and confusion.

For non-citizens, the best approach is to stay informed, keep your documents up to date, and reach out for help if you have questions. As South Dakota debates these changes, the voices and experiences of non-citizens will be key to shaping fair and effective policies for everyone.

For more details on Medicaid eligibility and other benefits, visit the South Dakota Department of Social Services.

Learn Today

Medicaid → Government health insurance program for low-income individuals, with eligibility varying by immigration status.
Lawful permanent residents → Non-citizens with green cards, allowed to live and work permanently in the U.S.
Emergency Medicaid → Healthcare coverage for urgent medical needs available to all regardless of immigration status.
Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) → Temporary healthcare support for refugees up to twelve months after arriving in the U.S.
Driver’s License → Government-issued identification permitting a person to drive; rules for non-citizens vary by legal status.

This Article in a Nutshell

South Dakota limits Medicaid and public benefits for non-citizens but offers emergency care. Proposed SB 75 mandates citizenship status on driver’s licenses, sparking debate over election integrity and discrimination risks affecting immigrants’ daily lives statewide.
— By VisaVerge.com