Urgent Action: Tell Your Governor and State & Local Lawmakers to Ensure Refugees and Afghan Allies Receive Basic Food Assistance

In July, Congress enacted H.R.1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), which – for the first time in history – excluded refugees and other humanitarian entrants from eligibility to receive food and nutrition assistance under SNAP. Across the United States, state governments are implementing devastating SNAP cuts between now and November 1st. We are alarmed that states are considering going beyond the statutory language in H.R.1 by also excluding refugees and asylees once they obtain their green cards, and Afghan allies who arrive with special immigrant visas.

H.R.1 excludes refugees and asylees from initial eligibility for SNAP. And certain lawful permanent residents (LPRs), although eligible for SNAP eventually, have to wait five years before they receive SNAP benefits. However, since 1996, Congress specifically exempted refugees and asylees from any SNAP waiting periods once they become LPRs and obtain their green cards. And in 2009, Congress also ensured Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs), who assisted the U.S. mission and arrive as lawful permanent residents, are exempt from any SNAP waiting periods, making them immediately eligible for SNAP, other basic assistance, and resettlement benefits. Legal analysis is available here and here.

Bottom line: Refugees and asylees with green cards and Afghan SIVs are exempt from SNAP’s five-year waiting period. And yet, states could wrongfully delay or cut off their access to SNAP, inappropriately referring to H.R.1 for justification. Cutting off refugee and humanitarian entrants when they first arrive (before they apply for green cards) from affordable groceries is already a devastating blow. It is imperative that governors and state lawmakers hear loudly and clearly from their constituents that we should continue to allow our refugees and asylees with green cards, and Afghan SIVs who stood with America to receive SNAP without delay.

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