USDA Plans to Block Food Stamps for Illegal Immigrants

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a directive to enforce restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, ensuring they are only available to U.S. citizens and legal residents. This move aligns with President Trump's executive order aimed at preventing taxpayer resources from supporting illegal immigration. Rollins emphasized that the days of using taxpayer dollars to subsidize illegal immigration are over, citing the 1996 Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act that generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits. The directive also emphasizes the need for improved eligibility verification and aims to reduce fraud and abuse within the SNAP program. Critics within the Republican Party have long warned of fraud in the system and have pushed for stricter regulations and accountability measures. The changes may significantly impact millions of families who rely on SNAP, especially vulnerable populations such as children.