HHS Removes Outdated SLIAG Grant Rules in 2026
The federal government is quietly erasing a set of immigration-related grant rules that have sat unused on the books for years. The change takes effect automatically on May 26, 2026 — unless the public pushes back in time. Here is what is being removed and what you can do if you disagree.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is removing old, unused rules tied to the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grants (SLIAG) program. These rules, found in 45 CFR part 402, have been on the books for years but are no longer active or useful. The agency says this is part of a broader effort to cut outdated regulations and reduce unnecessary paperwork burdens.
What Are SLIAG Grants and Why Does This Matter?
SLIAG — the State Legalization Impact Assistance Grants program — was created to help states cover costs related to immigrants who were legalizing their status. The program is no longer running, but its regulations were still officially on the books. The Administration for Children and Families (ACF), which is part of HHS, decided to formally erase these rules as part of a sweeping review of outdated regulations. The agency says removing dead rules helps simplify the system and serve the public better.
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This is a direct final rule, which means it takes effect automatically unless the government receives significant negative comments from the public. The rule is set to become effective on May 26, 2026. If enough people submit strong objections before that date, ACF will publish a notice in the Federal Register saying the rule will not go forward. The agency is accepting anonymous comments.
What to Do
- If you believe removing these rules could harm you or your community, submit a written comment before May 26, 2026 at regulations.gov using docket number ACF-2026-0166.
- You can also email your comment to Deregulation@acf.hhs.gov — include docket number ACF-2026-0166 or RIN number 0970-AD28 in the subject line.
- Know that all comments become part of the public record and your name may be visible, but anonymous comments are also accepted.
- If you are unsure how this change affects your immigration case or benefits, lawyers recommend speaking with an immigration attorney or accredited representative before the deadline.
Fishkin Law Firm, New York
Even when a rule seems technical or administrative, public comment periods are a real legal tool — agencies must respond to significant objections before a direct final rule takes effect. If you or your organization relied on SLIAG-related programs or believe removing these regulations creates a gap in protections, document that impact clearly in your comment. Consult an immigration attorney or nonprofit legal organization to assess whether this change has any downstream effect on your current case or benefits.