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The administration of Donald Trump, through the Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced that no undocumented immigrant will be able to access the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
In good Cuban terms, one might say that "the bread has run out." The measure affects vulnerable communities, families with very low resources trying to survive in the United States, but they are increasingly pressured to leave the country.
The law already explicitly prohibits the provision of these benefits to individuals without legal status, but the new Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins, explained that the identity verification policies and immigration status will be strengthened due to detected cases of fraud.
"The generosity of the American taxpayer has been misused for far too long due to misinterpretations of the 1996 welfare reform law," Rollins stated.
He warned that the changes aim to eliminate "waste, fraud, and abuse" within the programs funded by the USDA and respond to the compliance of Executive Order 14218 signed by President Trump: "End of taxpayer subsidy for open borders."
The announcement was accompanied by a joint notice from the departments of Agriculture, Health, Labor, Justice, and Education, which clarified the interpretation of the term "federal public benefit" under the 1996 law.
The official statement indicates that this reinterpretation directly affects the programs administered by the USDA.
The Trump administration and its reduction of spending on food stamps
In February 2025, the Trump administration announced that it intended to ban the purchase of junk food with SNAP benefits. At that time, it was solely about removing items like sugary drinks, candy, and ultra-processed foods.
In April, the USDA required state agencies to strengthen identity and immigration verifications when assessing the eligibility of SNAP applicants.
A month later, the restrictions escalated. The administration ordered that all records associated with the program be shared with the federal government to enable real-time data analysis and prevent irregularities.
The legislative proposal, driven by Republicans in the House of Representatives and part of Donald Trump's campaign promises, tightened the requirements for beneficiaries and restricted access to the program for immigrants with legal status, including those under asylum and humanitarian parole.
The new measures are more radical, aligning with the immigration policies of Trump and are part of Rollins' strategic vision on his first full day leading the Department. He asserts that they are part of a plan of "quick actions to minimize fraud and protect both participants and taxpayers."
Frequently Asked Questions about the New SNAP Restrictions under the Trump Administration
What changes has the Trump administration made to the SNAP Program?
The Trump administration has strengthened identity verification and immigration status policies for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), explicitly prohibiting access for undocumented immigrants. Additionally, it has tightened requirements for legal beneficiaries, limiting access even for those under asylum and humanitarian parole.
How do these measures affect immigrants under humanitarian parole?
Immigrants who entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole will lose access to SNAP upon the expiration of their immigration status. This mainly impacts immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, who must demonstrate an alternate eligible immigration status to continue receiving assistance.
What justification does the Trump administration offer for these restrictions on food stamps?
The Trump administration argues that the restrictions aim to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse within programs funded by the USDA. According to Brooke L. Rollins, the Secretary of Agriculture, the generosity of the American taxpayer has been misused, and these measures are necessary to protect taxpayers.
What is the impact of these measures on vulnerable communities?
The measures have a significant impact on vulnerable communities, pressuring low-income families to leave the country. The suspension of SNAP benefits increases food insecurity among the most disadvantaged populations, including many Cubans and Haitians who rely on this program for their daily sustenance.
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