Summary
New rules under a law called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mean that thousands of immigrants legally in the U.S. are losing access to food assistance benefits in California and Illinois. The changes reduce the number of noncitizens who can get help and are now being implemented.
Key Facts
- California and Illinois are applying new SNAP restrictions that affect many immigrants.
- The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, limits SNAP benefits for many noncitizens.
- Around 72,000 lawfully present immigrants in California may lose their benefits.
- SNAP access is now mainly for U.S. citizens and green card holders who meet certain conditions.
- The act also keeps some Cuban and Haitian entrants eligible for SNAP.
- The changes started in California and Illinois on April 1, 2026.
- Other states, like Minnesota, began implementing these rules at different times.
- People losing benefits often turn to food banks, which are already under strain.
