Trump Administration Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants Using SNAP Benefits

The Trump administration is demanding states to ensure that illegal immigrants do not misuse SNAP benefits, in line with a presidential executive order.

In a move to enforce federal law, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has called on states to rigorously check that illegal immigrants are not accessing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This action follows an executive order by President Donald Trump in February, aimed at preventing those illegally in the U.S. from receiving federal benefits, including SNAP.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the administration’s aggressive stance, stating, “We’ve already made arrests in Minnesota, New York, and Colorado, and we’re just getting started.” The USDA is implementing several verification methods, such as cross-checking Social Security numbers and utilizing the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system to ensure compliance.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce fraud and ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently, as articulated by Secretary Rollins: “It’s the president’s vision to ensure that we’re being the most efficient and effective with taxpayer dollars.” The crackdown is expected to save billions in fraudulent claims.

This focus on SNAP eligibility comes amidst broader debates about illegal immigrants’ access to state and federal benefits. For instance, California’s Medicaid program, which does not consider immigration status, has drawn criticism from California Republicans who link it to the program’s financial troubles.

Beyond immigration, the SNAP program itself is under scrutiny, with some states like Arkansas proposing reforms to restrict the purchase of junk food with SNAP benefits, in an attempt to promote healthier eating habits among recipients.