USDA Tightens SNAP Rules: States Ordered to Prevent Illegal Immigrants From Accessing Food Stamps

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is cranking up the pressure on states to keep illegal immigrants from getting food stamps. The move is part of President Donald Trump’s February executive order demanding stricter checks on applicants for federal benefits, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins announced that arrests have already been made in Minnesota, New York, and Colorado, promising that the crackdown is just beginning. "We're going to be extremely, extremely aggressive. Now, hopefully it acts as a deterrent also," Rollins said, underlining the administration’s tough stance.

The department is ordering states to cross-check Social Security numbers with federal death records and use Homeland Security’s SAVE system to verify noncitizens’ eligibility. Only US citizens and a select group of legal noncitizens can receive SNAP, but clearly, the feds are convinced that more can be done to plug leaks in the system.

Rollins stated, "It's the president's vision to ensure that we're being the most efficient and effective with taxpayer dollars." She predicted that these measures could cut down on billions in fraud and keep taxpayers’ wallets a little fatter.

John Walk, acting deputy under secretary for food, nutrition, and consumer services, doubled down in a letter to state agencies: By law, only United States citizens and certain lawfully present aliens may receive SNAP benefits. He cited the 1996 welfare reform act, making it clear that SNAP "is not and has never been available to illegal aliens."

This push comes during a heated debate over benefit eligibility, especially with California’s controversial Medicaid program allowing enrollment regardless of immigration status. While California Republicans blame this policy for draining the system, Governor Gavin Newsom calls it just one piece of a much bigger healthcare puzzle.

Rollins didn’t miss a chance to throw some shade at blue states, claiming red states like Texas are more careful with taxpayer dollars, while blue states tend to be more generous with benefits. She hopes the new scrutiny will make all states tighten up, regardless of their political leanings.

Meanwhile, SNAP isn’t just in the spotlight for immigration issues. There’s a growing push to reform what recipients can actually buy. Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders is among those seeking to ban purchases of soda and candy with SNAP funds, aiming to tackle chronic health issues and encourage healthier eating habits among low-income Americans. Rotisserie chicken, however, might get a green light—so at least comfort food isn’t totally off the table.