A recent policy change by the Trump administration is set to impact over 321,000 individuals, primarily immigrants from Cuba and Haiti, who will lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) f4 once their temporary immigration status expires.
To continue receiving SNAP benefits, these individuals must secure another form of legal protection, such as asylum or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
For many families, SNAP has been a crucial lifeline for maintaining food security. Losing access to this assistance due to the expiration of their immigration status adds another layer of difficulty, especially for those still navigating the legal process to remain in the U.S.
It’s important to note that immigrants from Nicaragua and Venezuela, who entered under humanitarian permits, were never eligible for SNAP.
However, the new rule specifically targets groups that had previously qualified, prompting strong responses from immigrant rights organizations and community advocates. Many warn that this change could lead to a significant rise in food insecurity.
This move is part of a broader shift in policy regarding public benefits for immigrants. Other recent changes include revoking work permits and implementing tougher criteria for those seeking entry on humanitarian grounds.
Officials claim these actions are meant to deter irregular immigration.
In response, several nonprofit and advocacy groups have raised concerns about how these changes will affect the quality of life for impacted families.
While some organizations are working to offer emergency assistance, they acknowledge their resources are limited given the scale of the issue.