A new legislative proposal, driven by Republicans in the House of Representatives and part of Donald Trump's campaign promises, threatens to significantly alter access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This initiative seeks not only to tighten work requirements for beneficiaries but also to restrict program access for certain legally present immigrants, including those with asylum and humanitarian parole status.
"House Republicans scheduled a hearing in the dead of night because they don't want the American people to see them. I'll be here all night fighting against the Trump-backed funding bill that makes devastating cuts to crucial programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential services relied on by American families, children, veterans, and seniors," Democratic legislator Stephen F. Lynch posted on X this Tuesday.
Changes Driven by the "Great and Beautiful Law"
Known among Republicans as the “Great and Beautiful Law,” this bill spans over 1,000 pages and includes “details to offset some of the costs of tax cuts and the president's tough immigration plans.” A primary goal is to overhaul eligibility criteria for social benefits like SNAP, a program that “monthly aids nearly 40 million people in the country,” providing on average “around $187 per month per eligible person for food purchases,” according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Although the draft is still under review in the House Rules Committee, the signs are clear: substantial changes are on the horizon that could exclude hundreds of thousands from the system.
Stricter Work Requirements
A major aspect of the proposal is increasing work requirements. Currently, adults without dependents up to age 54 must demonstrate employment to be eligible. The new proposal “requires individuals to show evidence of employment for a much longer period, up to age 64.” Additionally, conditions for parents with young children are being tightened. Presently, some are exempt from proving employment until their child turns 18. The proposed legislation would lower this age to just 7 years, potentially excluding a significant segment of families reliant on SNAP for food security.
Restrictions for Legally Present Immigrants
Another key focus of the bill is limiting SNAP access for certain legally present immigrants. While SNAP “has never been open to undocumented immigrants,” those meeting certain criteria, such as “having lived in the U.S. for at least five years, receiving disability assistance, or being under 18,” are currently eligible, according to the Department of Agriculture. This would explicitly exclude those admitted under asylum or humanitarian parole, who would lose federal food assistance eligibility. This same criterion would apply to other benefits, like the Premium Tax Credit, which currently helps cover healthcare insurance costs acquired in the health insurance marketplace.
New Financial Burden for States
The proposal also includes changes to SNAP’s funding model, currently fully supported by the federal government. If passed, states would have to “cover 5% of program costs starting in fiscal year 2028 and 75% of their administrative expenses.” Additionally, states that “show errors in providing program assistance” would face even greater financial responsibilities. For instance, “if a state registers an error rate of 10% or more, it must cover 25% of program costs,” according to the draft.
Criticism from Food Banks
The proposed SNAP cuts are criticized as potentially the most severe in the nation's history. “A proposal under consideration in Congress could lead to the largest food assistance cut in U.S. history,” warn organizations like the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This institution urged lawmakers to “reject the proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid,” stating that the consequences would be “devastating.” In a context where “nearly 50 million Americans face food insecurity, the highest rate in over a decade,” they argue that this is the “worst possible time to cut SNAP.” With “rising food prices and healthcare costs,” program advocates insist on the necessity to “strengthen, not reduce, support systems.”
Legislative Next Steps
House Republican leader Mike Johnson aims to bring the bill to a final vote before Memorial Day, suggesting that the window for opponents to maneuver is rapidly closing. Approval of this bill would mean a dramatic rollback in food access for some of the country's most vulnerable sectors. Legally present immigrants, such as asylum seekers or humanitarian parole beneficiaries, would be excluded from a program essential to their well-being, while states would bear a greater financial burden. Without substantial changes in the legislative debate, food stamps might become an even more inaccessible privilege for those in dire need.
Impact of Proposed SNAP Changes on Immigrants
What changes are proposed for SNAP eligibility?
The proposed legislation aims to tighten work requirements and restrict access for certain legally present immigrants, including asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees.
Who would be most affected by the SNAP cuts?
The cuts would primarily impact legally present immigrants like asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees, along with families, children, veterans, and seniors reliant on SNAP for food security.
How would the proposed SNAP funding changes affect states?
States would be required to cover a portion of SNAP costs starting in fiscal year 2028, with additional financial responsibilities if they demonstrate high error rates in program administration.
What are the arguments against the proposed SNAP cuts?
Critics argue that the proposed cuts would be devastating, especially at a time when nearly 50 million Americans face food insecurity, and that support systems should be strengthened, not diminished.