Immigration status affects SNAP eligibility. Learn the facts to make sure you and your family have access to the food you need.
SNAP is not considered for Public Charge. Any updates to the public charge policy can be found at the Protect Immigrant Families Coalition webpage on Public Charge.
Everyone deserves access to healthy food. But federal changes have removed eligibility for immigrant Oregonians, including refugees, asylees and other conditionally allowed individuals. This includes children and disproportionately affects mixed-status families. SNAP recipients wil be notified if they are no longer eligible.
Changes on July 4th, 2025 removed SNAP eligibility for the following groups:
- Individuals lawfully permitted for permanent residence under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), including Amerasians
- Iraqi or Afghan individuals granted a special immigrant via status
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Victims or family members of victims of severe forms of trafficking
- Individuals whose deportation is being withheld under section 243(h) of the INA
- Parolees
- Individuals who are granted conditional entry
- Individuals who are a battered spouse or dependent child
Some immigrants are still eligible for SNAP, including:
- Lawful Permanent Residents after 5 years residency, 10 years work history, or under 18;
- Cuban-Haitian Entrants (CHEs) regardless of pending asylum or parole status; and
- COFA Citizens (from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau)
Further Resources
Joint letter on Public Charge from USDA and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Know the Facts on Public Charge (updated 2/14/22) from Oregon Law Center, Causa and Oregon Latino Health Coalition
Oregon Law Center page on Public Charge, available in English, Arabic, Spanish, Korean, Russian, Somali, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Pashto and Dari.