Trump Halts Food Stamps for Humanitarian Parole Recipients

The Trump Administration has decided to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as 'Food Stamps', for immigrants who entered the United States under the humanitarian parole program. This action primarily impacts roughly 321,000 individuals from Cuba and Haiti, who had been eligible for temporary resettlement services, including food assistance.

On April 3rd, the Department of Agriculture communicated that following the termination of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, recipients from these nations who have been receiving 'Food Stamps' will lose access to the program starting April 24th, the expiration date of their immigration status. A directive was sent to state agencies managing SNAP to withdraw access from those affected once their parole expires. Only those who can prove they possess another eligible immigration status will remain in the program.

The document does not address individuals who entered through the border using the CBP One application or those holding an I-220A (a document granting conditional release), who are in the process of seeking asylum or status review. Approximately 532,000 nationals from the four mentioned countries arrived in the U.S. under humanitarian parole. However, only Cubans and Haitians are entitled to additional services such as SNAP.

Overall, 110,240 Cubans and 211,040 Haitians entered with parole, but the exact number who applied for SNAP benefits remains unknown. It is known that many have already regularized their status under the Cuban Adjustment Act and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians, which became effective in 2024 and will last until August 3rd of this year. 'Food Stamps' can last up to a year and only cease if the person receives a final deportation order.

The suspension has sparked concern within the affected communities, as many rely on these benefits for daily sustenance. Immigrant rights organizations have criticized the measure, arguing that it creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty and could exacerbate food insecurity among the most vulnerable populations.

This decision is part of a series of measures implemented by the Trump Administration aimed at enforcing stricter immigration policies. In March, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the termination of humanitarian parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (known as CHNV programs), requiring beneficiaries to voluntarily leave the country by April 24th. Those failing to comply may face expedited deportation proceedings.

Exemptions are made for those who have applied for a status adjustment, such as asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or crime victim visas, as well as individuals who have filed for family claims, fiancée petitions, or immigrant employee requests. Moreover, the DHS has revoked employment authorizations for humanitarian parole recipients, impacting their ability to legally work in the country.