Starting April 24, thousands will lose access to food stamps, the main food assistance program
The measure, announced by the Department of Agriculture on April 3, affects Cuban and Haitian immigrants who entered under humanitarian parole and have not obtained another valid immigration status. In total, nearly 321,000 people will lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), sparking a storm of reactions on social media and among immigration rights organizations.
“Injustice”, “abandonment” and a divided community
Responses from the Cuban community in the U.S. came quickly. Some expressed pain, frustration, and anger, while others blame the beneficiaries themselves for relying on a system that, they claim, should have been anticipated.
“I am amazed to read so many comments from Cubans who once also needed government help, now criticizing those who, for whatever reason, benefit from the ‘Food Stamps’”, wrote a user who defended their right to receive assistance while working to support their family.
On the other hand, internal criticisms were not lacking. One user pointed out:
“I know people who work, have no children, and still ask for benefits. Then you see them in nice cars paying with EBT”.
The situation has revealed a deep polarization within the Cuban community, dividing those who see the aid as a necessary lifeline in the face of the migration crisis, and those who believe the assistance was mismanaged from the start.
A decision that changes lives
Since the start of the humanitarian parole program, more than 110,000 Cubans have legally entered the U.S. However, many have still not been able to change their status, leaving them in a legal limbo with immediate consequences: the loss of access to basic food.
The measure, pushed by the Trump Administration, not only removes SNAP benefits but also includes:
- Revocation of work permits.
- Requirement for voluntary departure from the country before April 24.
- Possibility of facing deportation proceedings.
According to immigration rights advocates, this decision represents a direct blow to the most vulnerable families, and could worsen food insecurity in several communities across the country.
“They don’t know how else to harm these people”
The phrase of one user summarizes the widespread sentiment: helplessness. For some, the most painful part is not just the economic loss, but the emotional and social impact:
“The painful part is not that they take this or that, the truly sad part is that now many can’t see their families in Cuba”, commented another affected person.
Among the most repeated comments is the criticism of the sponsors, who —according to several users— “should have taken responsibility from the start”, reminding that by signing the affidavit, they committed to preventing the beneficiaries from becoming a public charge.
What can those affected do?
In the face of this situation, the options are limited and complex. Affected Cubans can:
- Attempt to regularize their immigration status through the Cuban Adjustment Act, which allows them to apply for residency after one year and one day in the country.
- Look for other avenues like political asylum or employment visas, although these processes are often laden with legal and bureaucratic hurdles.
In any case, time is running out, with an imminent deadline: April 24.