The food assistance program provides food support to non-citizens who meet specific requirements
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides financial support to those who are having difficulty meeting their food needs. Although most assistance programs require U.S. citizenship, some states allow migrants to access these benefits under certain conditions.
Beneficiaries of this program receive a monthly deposit on their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which allows them to purchase food as if they were using a bank card. The requirements to apply for this support vary by state, including income limits and demonstration of legal presence in the country.
The following states have implemented programs that allow access to SNAP benefits for eligible noncitizen migrants:
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Washington
It is essential that interested parties contact their local SNAP office to learn about the specific requirements and documentation needed to prove their need for assistance.
Although no state allows access to this program for undocumented aliens, certain groups of non-citizens may qualify without a waiting period, provided they meet income and resource limits. These groups include:
- Refugees
- Persons granted asylum
- Victims of severe trafficking
- Suspended deportation
- Amerasians
- Cuban and Haitian participants
- Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants (SIVs)
- Certain foreign-born American Indians
- Members of the Hmong or Laotian highland tribe
- Citizens of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of Palau.
It is important to note that, if a person is not eligible for this program due to their immigration status, they may apply for benefits on behalf of citizens or persons who do qualify, such as their children. In addition, the authorities have clarified that applying for assistance does not affect immigration status, as this program is not considered a public charge.