California Department of Social Services - State Hearings Division
Notes from the Training Bureau - September 24, 1996

This ACIN clarifies the eligibility of certain Cuban/Haitian parolees for RCA and medical assistance.

Cuban and Haitian nationals coming into the United States (U.S.) from Guantanamo and Havana who were admitted under authority granted to the U.S. Attorney General contained in §212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and special presidential protocol are eligible for Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance programs on the same basis as refugees. This particular group of eligible Cubans and Haitians are special status Public Interest Parolee (PIP) admissions as provided for under the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 and special presidential protocol.

Cubans and Haitians admitted under this special status will have I-94 cards stamped with the words "Public Interest Parolee per Presidential policy dated 10/14/94". This specific category of PIPs should not be confused with other ineligible PIPs whose I-94 cards do not have the special stamp.