Among the changes wrought by the PRWORA was the replacement of the Aid to Families with Dependant Children (AFDC) program with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). One of the chief effects of this change for immigrants was to put the states in charge of administering the program. Regarding immigrants who arrived before the PRWORA became law—August 22, 1996—states have the options of allowing them to continue to collect benefits.

Immigrants who arrived after August 22, 1996 are banned from receiving any sort of TANF benefits for five years after arrival. After five years, states have the option to bar immigrants from receiving benefits until citizenship. The bar not only applies to grants under TANF but also to any means-tested benefit or service provided with TANF funds, including job training and work support.