Photo: jetcityimage / iStock Editorial / Getty Images
LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, along with 20 other attorneys general, has urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to clarify new guidelines on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. The coalition argues that the USDA's recent guidance wrongly excludes certain immigrant groups from receiving food assistance, contradicting long-standing federal law.
The USDA's guidance, issued on October 31, was part of the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and introduced new restrictions on non-citizens' eligibility for SNAP. The memo took effect the following day, leaving states with almost no time to adjust. The guidance incorrectly states that lawful permanent residents who were admitted as refugees, asylees, or through humanitarian parole programs are not eligible for SNAP benefits.
The attorneys general emphasize that federal law allows these individuals to qualify for SNAP as soon as they obtain lawful permanent resident status, without a five-year waiting period. The USDA has historically recognized these exemptions, but the new guidance removes them, potentially denying food assistance to thousands of families.
The coalition also highlights the USDA's misapplication of a 120-day grace period meant for states to comply with new regulations. The USDA claimed this period ended one day after issuing the guidance, risking financial penalties for states.
Attorney General Nessel stated, "The USDA’s unlawful guidance on SNAP eligibility is yet another example of the Trump Administration sowing chaos and confusion for our residents." She and the coalition are calling for immediate corrections to ensure eligible families receive the assistance they need.
The letter was signed by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.