There are many programs that the United States federal government offers to the country’s low-income people. An example of this is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which makes it possible to purchase food at participating stores and markets.
Currently there are different concerns, especially on the part of immigrants and their application to programs like this.
The truth is that they can also receive so-called food stamps; as long as they are residents or meet the requirements of immigration status.
Brandy Bauer, former director of the MIPPA Resource Center at the National Council on Aging (NCOA), addressed the topic.
“Older adults and young children, single parents and married couples, veterans, people living with disabilities; “Anyone can have difficulty acquiring food,” she noted.
But, an important sector of the population that should not be ignored are foreigners who are residing legally in the United States.
Meanwhile, this aid cannot be extended to those who are not citizens or residents. This is declared by the Department of Agriculture (USDA).
How is this explained?
To be eligible for SNAP, a noncitizen must be a “qualified alien.” We are talking about legal permanent residents, asylees, refugees, trafficking victims, etc.
Therefore, the USDA explains, noncitizens, such as tourists or students, are typically not eligible to receive benefits.
It happens that foreigners must have at least five years of residence in the United States and 40 qualified work placements. All this, regardless of the entry requirements.
Likewise, those under 18 years of age who are blind or disabled, and people 60 years of age or older may participate. To do so, they must legally reside in the United States or have a specifically defined military connection.
The procedure may seem simple, but in reality, the rules governing SNAP for eligible noncitizens are complex and difficult to interpret.
