Section 10108 also labeled Section 10012: Alien SNAP Eligibility

📘 Section 10108: Alien SNAP Eligibility

📝 Official Legal Text

This section replaces the old rule allowing various categories of immigrants with a stricter definition. Under the revised Section 6(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act (7 U.S.C. 2015(f)), only the following non-citizens can receive SNAP benefits:

1. U.S. citizens and nationals,

2. Lawful permanent residents (“green card” holders)—excluding tourists, diplomats, students, and other temporary visitors,

3. Eligible Cubans and Haitians admitted under specific refugee status, and

4. Individuals living under Compacts of Free Association (like residents from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau)

Other immigrant groups—including asylum seekers, undocumented immigrants, and certain temporary residents—are no longer eligible.

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✅ What It Means - 4th Grade Style

• Before, the rule said certain immigrants “may” get SNAP.

• Now, it says only these four groups are allowed:

  1. U.S. citizens

  2. Green card holders

  3. Some Cubans & Haitians

  4. People from Micronesia, etc.

That means no more SNAP for undocumented immigrants, students, or temporary visa holders.

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💡 Why This Matters

• It’s a tightening of the eligibility rules.

• Fewer immigrant families qualify for SNAP.

• It could affect food security in communities where immigrants contribute but now can’t access this support.

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🧃 Quick Example

Imagine a classroom where only:

• Citizens,

• Green card students,

• Some refugee students,

• And kids from Micronesia families

can eat free lunches. Other immigrant children—even if their families need help—would no longer get free meals.

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📊 Impact & Reactions

• Supporters say it ensures public benefits go to those legally admitted.

• Critics worry it will increase hunger and dissuade immigrant participation in other programs.

Original Document:

SEC. 10108. ALIEN SNAP ELIGIBILITY.

    Section 6(f) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 
2015(f)) is amended to read as follows:
    ``(f) No individual who is a member of a household otherwise 
eligible to participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance 
program under this section shall be eligible to participate in the 
supplemental nutrition assistance program as a member of that or any 
other household unless he or she is--
            ``(1) a resident of the United States; and
            ``(2) either--
                    ``(A) a citizen or national of the United States;
                    ``(B) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent 
                residence as an immigrant as defined by sections 
                101(a)(15) and 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and 
                Nationality Act, excluding, among others, alien 
                visitors, tourists, diplomats, and students who enter 
                the United States temporarily with no intention of 
                abandoning their residence in a foreign country;
                    ``(C) an alien who has been granted the status of 
                Cuban and Haitian entrant, as defined in section 501(e) 
                of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Public 
                Law 96-422); or
                    ``(D) an individual who lawfully resides in the 
                United States in accordance with a Compact of Free 
                Association referred to in section 402(b)(2)(G) of the 
                Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity 
                Reconciliation Act of 1996.
        The income (less, at State option, a pro rata share) and 
        financial resources of the individual rendered ineligible to 
        participate in the supplemental nutrition assistance program 
        under this subsection shall be considered in determining the 
        eligibility and the value of the allotment of the household of 
        which such individual is a member.''.