The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act and Illegal Immigration Reform and Responsibility Act of 1996 revised laws governing privacy and confidentiality of information that government agencies collect from immigrants during the benefits application process. Noting that these changes evoked confusion and anxiety in the immigrant community and deterred many families from seeking benefits, this issue brief helps child advocates understand changes in confidentiality, reporting, and verification requirements in order to help state decision makers create policies that maximize access to benefit and provide outreach to immigrant communities. Following an introduction outlining the critical role that child advocates can play in ensuring that state leaders understand the parameters of the law, the brief details the four-step process to verify an applicant's immigration status: (1) determine if the program provides a federal public benefit; (2) determine whether the applicant is eligible for benefits under the programs' general eligibility requirements; (3) verify the applicant's status as a citizen, noncitizen national, or a qualified alien; and (4) verify eligibility based on requirements of the Welfare Act. The brief also details requirements for reporting to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, describes the model used by the Food Stamp Program, and discusses the confidentiality of information collected during eligibility determinations. Also noted is the application of requirements to nonprofit organizations. Finally, the brief discusses possible roles of the child advocate. A call for action by child advocates and a resource and contact list conclude the brief. (Contains approximately 20 references.) (KB)