Immigrants Lose SNAP Benefits in House Budget Plan

Policy changes could restrict food assistance for thousands of immigrants.

WASHINGTON — The House Committee on Agriculture has released their budget reconciliation proposal amending the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, significantly impacting the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

Section 10012 revises SNAP eligibility by eliminating access for several categories of lawfully present immigrants, while Section 10011 repeals the National Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program. These changes aim to reduce federal spending but may exacerbate food insecurity among vulnerable populations.

The amended Section 6(f) removes SNAP eligibility for immigrants granted discretionary admission by the Attorney General, including those with permanent residence prior to June 30, 1948, conditional entrants, those granted humanitarian parole, or individuals with withheld deportation.