Last week the Department of Health and Human Services issued updated poverty guidelines for 2002.  These guidelines are used for many things and in the immigration context are used to determine the required level of income for a valid I-864 Affidavit of Support.  To be a qualifying sponsor, the petitioner must earn 125% of the federal poverty level.

For 2002, the federal poverty guidelines are as follows:

48 Contiguous States and the District of Columbia

Size of family              Poverty guideline                  125%
1............................................... ,860………………,075
2............................................... 11,940………………14,925
3............................................... 15,020………………18,775
4............................................... 18,100………………22,625
5...................…......................... 21,180………………26,475
6............................................... 24,260………………30,325
7............................................... 27,340………………34,175
8............................................... 30,420………………38,025

For family units with more than 8 members, add ,080 for each additional member, and ,850 to meet the 125% level.

Alaska

Size of family              Poverty guideline                  125%
1............................................... ,080……………,850
2............................................... 14,930………………18,663
3............................................... 18,780………………23,475
4............................................... 22,630………………28,288
5...................…......................... 26,480………………33,100
6............................................... 30,330………………37,913
7............................................... 34,180………………42,725
8............................................... 38,030………………47,538

For family units with more than 8 members, add ,850 for each additional member, and ,813 to meet the 125% level.

Hawaii

Size of family              Poverty guideline                  125%
1............................................... ,200……………,750
2............................................... 13,740………………17,175
3............................................... 17,280………………21,600
4............................................... 20,820………………26,025
5...................…......................... 24,360………………30,450
6............................................... 27,900………………34,875
7............................................... 31,440………………39,300
8............................................... 34,980………………43,725

For family units with more than 8 members, add ,540 for each additional member, and ,425 to meet the 125% level.