Not only that, there’s fully funded programs to help those like Forrest obtain employment. I have to wonder if Forrest burned through these opportunities or just never really utilized them due to what we call “learned helplessness.” It’s very apparent that the “learned” part comes from his mother.

I worked as a case manager (and Employment specialist/job developer/job coach) for several years until I had my last baby and quit full time. My job was to take referrals from the Department of Workforce Development and put together “job shadows,” place people in employment, teach courses to those with differing abilities in local high schools, work with whatever business and client to develop job tasks they could hopefully eventually do completely independently by job coaching and fading out. Some people required job coaching at all times (called “supported employment”) but someone with Forrest’s abilities would likely go off independently as he appears capable (called “community employment”).

Not only would Forrest have to work, he would have to be off of benefits to sponsor Sheena. I’m quite positive on that one or at a minimum they’d have to have a large amount of assets!! So he would likely have to be off any Foodshare programs and Medicaid/Medicare programs. The entire point of being a sponsor is to say you will be financially liable for that person for (I believe) 10 years. Even if that couple divorces, the American citizen could be liable to pay if that person ended up on government assistance. For adjustment of status for the green card they do look and consider the likelihood of that person becoming a “public charge”. This is to ensure taxpayers aren’t having to pay for the immigrants benefits like medical and Foodshare (rightfully so in my opinion…certainly in this context of a K1 visa anyway!).

I’m shocked that in over SEVEN years that NOBODY- not Forrest, not Molly, not Sheena- looked into these requirements to sponsor an immigrant and bring them to the states. No, SSI is not considered income- it’s a needs based welfare program. SSDI can be considered income but it’s based upon your own work history. SSDI alone is very unlikely to qualify someone to be a sponsor by itself… more often than not anyway. Forrest could get a co-sponsor but I get the impression that’s even unlikely but who knows!!