R 221903Z FEB 03
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY KABUL
DIR FSINFATC WASHDC

UNCLAS STATE 048425

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: NEW POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR IV AFFIDAVIT OF
SUPPORT

1. The Department of Health and Human Services on
February 7, 2003, published its annual update of the
Poverty Guidelines, taking into account increases in
prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index. Posts
should begin using these new guidelines in calculating
levels of income and assets that immigrant visa
petitioners and joint sponsors must demonstrate in their
I-864 Affidavits of Support.

2. The following are the 2003 Poverty Guidelines for the
48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia:

Size of Family Poverty 125% of Poverty
Unit Guidelines Guidelines

1 $8,980 $11,225
2 12,120 15,150
3 15,260 19,075
4 18,400 23,000
5 21,540 26,925
6 24,680 30,850
7 27,820 34,775
8 30,960 38,700

For family units with more than 8 members, add $3,140 for
each additional member.

3. The following are the Poverty Guidelines for Alaska:

1 $11,210 $14,013
2 15,140 18,925
3 19,070 23,838
4 23,000 28,750
5 26,930 33,663
6 30,860 38,575
7 34,790 43,488
8 38,720 48,400

Add 3,930 for each additional family member.

4. The following are the Poverty Guidelines for Hawaii:

1 $10,330 $12,913
2 13,940 17,425
3 17,550 21,938
4 21,160 26,450
5 24,770 30,963
6 28,380 35,475
7 31,990 39,988
8 35,600 44,500

Add $3,610 for each additional family member.

5. When processing immigrant visa cases subject to the
affidavit of support (I-864) requirement under INA
212(a)(4)(C), posts should use the figures in the column
on the right, 125% of poverty guidelines, as the minimum
income that a petitioner and/or a joint sponsor must
demonstrate. Visa officers are also reminded to consider
the "totality of circumstances" (including the applicant's
age, health, and education) and can deny visa issuance
under 212(a)(4)(C) if the applicant appears likely to
become a public charge despite satisfying the poverty
requirements.

POWELL