Changes to SNAP Citizenship Requirements

What is Happening?

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new federal law that removes SNAP eligibility for certain immigrants who are legally present in the United States. Illinois and all other states are now required to implement the changes.

The following immigration statuses no longer qualify for SNAP benefits:

  • Refugees and asylees

  • ‘Special immigrant’ visa holders, including an Iraqi or Afghan special immigrant

  • Amerasians from Vietnam

  • Victims of human trafficking or their close family member

  • Victims of domestic violence or other serious crimes


When Will It Happen?

The State of Illinois is waiting for guidance from the federal government about when it will be required to apply the new eligibility requirements to SNAP beneficiaries in Illinois.

For now, SNAP customers should continue managing their cases as normal. Check this page regularly for the latest updates.


How Could This Impact Me?

Immigrants who are no longer eligible for SNAP will lose their SNAP benefits.

You can become eligible to receive SNAP benefits again if your citizenship status changes, for example you become a Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder).


What Next Steps Should I Take?

You should take these steps:

  1. Check whether your immigration status qualifies you for SNAP benefits

  2. Understand the impact of public benefits participation on future immigration decisions

  3. Talk to a benefits navigator who can help you understand what programs you qualify for

Read more about each step below.

1. Learn About Qualifying Immigration Status

Certain immigrants can enroll in SNAP if they meet income and work requirements and have a qualifying immigration status:

  • A naturalized U.S citizen

  • A lawful permanent resident under the age of 18 (green card holder) no matter how long they have been in the U.S.

  • A lawful permanent resident over the age of 18 (green card holder) with legal status for 5+ years, a military connection, 40 qualifying work quarters, or a disability

  • Certain Cuban or Haitian entrants

  • Citizens of Compact of Free Association (COFA) nations (Micronesia, Palau, and the Marshall Islands)

2. Learn About Public Benefit Participation and Public Charge

Under current law, SNAP enrollment does not affect your ability to remain in the United States, get or keep a green card or permanent resident status, or become a U.S. citizen. A few years ago, lawmakers talked about changing this. Lawmakers may try to change this policy again in the future, so it is important that you check this website and other trusted sources regularly for the latest information.

This online screener can help you understand which immigrants face a public charge test, what benefits are included in the public charge test, and how participating in these benefits could impact future immigration decisions.

3. Talk to a Benefits Navigator

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights maintains a list of organizations around the state that provide comprehensive public benefits assistance for those who face language and cultural barriers in accessing public benefits.


Where Can I Find More Information?

Talk to a trusted source for the latest information. You can get up-to-date information online from Protecting Immigrant Families Illinois or the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.


FAQs

  • If your children are legal permanent residents or US citizens, you can enroll them in SNAP even if you are undocumented or don’t have a qualifying immigration status. Get the facts about SNAP.

  • SNAP is the only nutrition program with a citizenship requirement. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for most nutrition programs. Learn more about nutrition programs for immigrant households to find out which programs you are likely eligible for.

  • To learn more about the federal legislation that made changes to SNAP and other public benefit programs, you can watch a recorded briefing on this topic with State of Illinois leaders. You can also read the presentation slides.

  • For a Spanish language summary of this page, please review this Illinois Department of Human Services fact sheet.