Housing & Shelter Support for Undocumented Immigrants

While federal, long-term public housing is generally restricted based on immigration status, other housing support is available.

Undocumented immigrants can access emergency, short-term, and non-profit-run shelters that do not check immigration status. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has determined that there are no immigration status requirements for emergency shelter, street outreach, and safe haven programs.

Policies and resources vary by location. It’s always worth searching locally or reaching out to community organizations, mutual aid groups, or immigrant advocacy centers.

It is legal for private landlords in the United States to rent housing to undocumented immigrants, and no federal law prohibits this practice. Landlords may choose tenants based on standard criteria such as income, rental history, references, and the ability to pay rent, but immigration status is not required to be considered. Under the federal Fair Housing Act, discrimination based on national origin, race, or other protected characteristics is prohibited, and these protections extend to immigrants. Denying a rental application solely because of a person’s actual or perceived immigration status or national origin may be considered unlawful discrimination. Landlords also may not impose different or more restrictive rental terms, such as higher rent or larger security deposits, because an applicant is an immigrant. Landlords may request reasonable documentation to verify identity and income; acceptable forms can include foreign passports, an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), recent pay stubs, or an employer’s verification letter.