There are going to be drastic changes in the regulations of the food aid program SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) in America from 2025. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) recently made an announcement that now certain special groups of individuals will be exempted from this program. Specifically, illegal immigrants will not receive the benefit of SNAP.
Stricter SNAP Rules Coming in 2025 – How Will They Affect Beneficiaries? United States Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins has also been strong on this decision. According to him, money of American taxpayers will no longer be spent on illegal immigrants.
Why were changes made in SNAP rules?
This order is in response to the executive order issued by US President Donald Trump on February 19, 2025. The primary purpose of this order is to see that taxpayers’ money is not wasted in favor of illegal immigrants.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has stated that those days are gone when illegal immigrants were assisted with the tax of American citizens. USDA has directed all the concerned departments to implement the SNAP rules strictly and only American citizens and legal residents should avail the benefit of this scheme.
What is SNAP and how does one get its benefit?
SNAP is a government relief program, wherein the eligible beneficiaries are provided with financial help to purchase foodstuffs. The ones who are determined eligible under this program are granted this amount in the form of EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. Through this card, they can purchase foodstuffs from any approved grocery store, farmer’s market or online.
But once the new regulations become effective in 2025, only US citizens and lawful residents will be eligible to receive the advantage of SNAP.
Snap eligibility requirements in 2025
- US citizens and lawful residents only will be eligible – If someone is not a US citizen or lacks proper residence documents, he will be out of SNAP.
- Income and resource limits – To be eligible for SNAP, an individual’s **income and assets (resources) should not be over a specific limit. Generally, no individual must have assets totaling more than *$3,000*. But for older citizens (over 60 years) and individuals with disabilities, this can go up to *$4,500*.
- Work requirement –
- Individuals between 18 and 54 years who are capable of working should work not less than 80 hours a month.
- If an individual fails to meet this requirement, then he can receive SNAP benefits for only 3 months in 3 years.
- Exempted individuals will alone be exempted from this provision.
Impact of new rules
These regulations, which will be effective from 2025, will directly affect those illegal immigrants who were getting benefitted through this policy until now. This is a part of the hard-line policy of President Trump against illegal immigration.
But several social workers and organizations opine that such a move will raise challenges for poor immigrants and weaker sections. But the government opines that the aim of the SNAP scheme is to support only American citizens and legal residents.
Is this change right?
A divided reaction from the American public is being witnessed about this policy. Some are of the opinion that this is a reasonable step since taxpayers’ money should be utilized only for those who are legally residing in the country. On the other hand, some others think that this will deny many poor people the fundamental necessities of food.
What is your opinion regarding this decision? Should it be flexible or is it correct? Leave your comment!
Conclusion
These modifications instituted to the SNAP regulations in 2025 are a significant measure towards curbing illegal immigration to the US and making proper utilization of government funds. Now only those individuals will be able to take advantage of this scheme who are US residents or citizens and fulfill all the requirements. This decision will have both negative and positive impacts. It will be interesting to see how effective this policy is and what influence it has on American society.
FAQs
Q1. Who is eligible for SNAP benefits in 2025?
Only U.S. citizens and legal residents meeting income, resource, and work requirements can receive SNAP benefits.
Q2. Why are these new SNAP rules being enforced?
The rules follow President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order (Feb 19, 2025) to ensure taxpayer funds are not used to support illegal immigration.
Q3. What are the new work requirements for SNAP?
Individuals aged 18-54 must work at least 80 hours per month unless exempt. Otherwise, they can receive SNAP for only 3 months in 3 years.
Q4. Can illegal immigrants receive SNAP benefits?
No. The USDA has strictly enforced the rule that only U.S. citizens and legal residents qualify for SNAP assistance.
Q5. Are there any exceptions for seniors or disabled individuals?
Yes. Seniors (60+) and disabled individuals may have a higher resource limit ($4,500 instead of $3,000) and could qualify for exemptions from work requirements.