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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced new measures to ensure that only U.S. citizens and legal residents are eligible for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
In a statement released on April 24, 2025, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that the department would strengthen the process for verifying immigration status among SNAP applicants. The new rules will require the use of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program to confirm the legal status of those applying for assistance. The goal is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent appropriately, helping those who are legally entitled to benefits.
“We are committed to ensuring that our resources are used responsibly and that those who are legally entitled to assistance are the ones receiving it,” Rollins said. “Food assistance programs should help U.S. citizens and lawful residents, not individuals who are here illegally.”
The USDA’s move comes after ongoing concerns about the integrity of the SNAP program and the misuse of funds. The department has acknowledged issues in the past with verifying the eligibility of some applicants, leading to significant improper payments. By implementing these new verification procedures, the USDA hopes to address these issues and ensure that the system is working as intended.
However, immigrant rights groups have raised alarms, warning that these changes could have unintended consequences for vulnerable communities. Critics argue that the more stringent verification process might discourage eligible immigrants from applying for assistance, potentially leading to increased food insecurity, especially among mixed-status families.
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“There’s a real fear that this policy could hurt U.S. citizen children in immigrant families, especially those whose parents may not have legal documentation,” said a spokesperson for one of the advocacy groups.
While the USDA’s new measures don’t change the existing laws around SNAP eligibility, they do mark a significant shift in how the government plans to enforce these rules. The department has said that the changes are necessary to maintain the program’s integrity and ensure that public resources are used fairly.
The new rules begin to take effect, there will likely be ongoing discussions about the balance between ensuring fairness in the system and protecting the most vulnerable populations. Only time will tell what impact these changes will have on both individuals and the broader community.
