The Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold statewide public forums to discuss the recent changes in welfare reform, including a law that affects the eligibility of legal immigrants for several public assistance programs.

The first meeting in the Story County area will be held Tuesday at the Northminser Presbyterian Church in Ames.

The legal immigrant issue may be of interest to international students at the university, said DHS Area Administrator Roxanne Thompson.

With this new set of guidelines, the “visiting students” who are here may be affected by the same changes as the illegal aliens, she said.

The reform is “very complex” and difficult to sum up, she said. Thompson said she doesn’t want students to be alarmed by the changes, and encourages anyone with questions to attend the forum where copies of the state plan will be provided, and experts will be available for questions.

“There are going to be significant changes, and there are so many unanswered questions. On the 17th we will share what we know,” she said.

“It’s important that people familiarize themselves with the changes. Iowa is going to be able to make a lot of decisions, and people need to be aware so they can give input to those who are making the decisions.”

The changes will come about due to a federal welfare reform, signed by President Clinton in August of 1996, formally titled the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.

According to a press release, the law makes both immediate and future changes in programs including cash assistance, job training for welfare recipients, food stamps, child support enforcement, child care and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for children, as well as the public assistance programs for legal immigrants.

“We often think welfare reform affects only a few people,” said Ralph Rosenberg, director of the Coalition for Family and Children Services of Iowa.

“But it affects us all because it relates to work force development and economic development, and the overall quality of life in the community. As citizens, we should all be concerned about this issue. The forum is a chance to become informed and involved.”

For individuals who are unable to attend the forum, a copy of the state plan can be picked up at the local DHS office.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 7-9 p.m. at the Northminser Presbyterian Church in Ames.