SNAP Applicants Could Be Referred to ICE Under New Proposal
Summary
An Oklahoma bill proposes checking the immigration status of SNAP applicants, referring those not legally in the U.S. to ICE. The proposal mandates that the Oklahoma Department of Human Services verify immigration status before providing benefits. The bill applies to SNAP and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and has passed a committee vote.Key Facts
- The bill is called House Bill 4422 and was introduced by Republican House Speaker Kyle Hilbert.
- It requires the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to confirm the immigration status of applicants for certain public assistance programs like SNAP and TANF.
- SNAP helps low-income families buy groceries, with 17% of Oklahoma residents receiving benefits in 2024.
- The immigration status verification would use the SAVE system managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- The bill refers individuals found unlawfully in the U.S. to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- It also applies to applications made on behalf of children, requiring verification of the adult applicant's status.
- The bill passed the House Children, Youth and Family Services Committee with a vote of 7-1, along party lines.
- The proposal comes amid scrutiny of ICE following incidents involving U.S. citizens.
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