Can I apply for Unemployment Insurance if I'm not a US Citizen?
Unemployment benefits are a right of a worker and benefits paid into through paychecks etc. It is not considered as part of public charge: see USCIS Policy Manual:
Public Benefits Not Considered
1. Unenumerated Public Benefits
The following is a non-exhaustive list of public benefits that USCIS does not consider in the public charge inadmissibility determination as they are considered earned benefits:
Federal Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Social Security benefits (SSDI);
Social Security;
Veteran’s benefits including but not limited to HUD-VASH, and medical treatment through the Veteran’s Health Administration;
Government (including federal and state) pension benefits and healthcare;
Unemployment benefits;
Worker’s compensation;
Medicare; or
Federal and state disability insurance.
For additional information on work related benefits for non-citizens (including the undocumented) please see the following info and remember anyone with authorization to work is eligible for unemployment benefits: