This final rule updates HUD's noncitizens regulations to incorporate the amendments made to section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 by section 592 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 (the ``1998 Act''). Specifically, section 592 of the 1998 Act provides that PHAs, notwithstanding the requirements of Section 214, may elect not to affirmatively establish and verify eligibility before providing financial assistance to an individual or family. Before this amendment, statutory authority allowed PHAs to opt-out of compliance with the Section 214 immigration verification requirements in their entirety. This final rule also makes final a November 29, 1996 interim rule and takes into consideration the public comments submitted on the interim rule.