UPDATE: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has just announced a sweeping review of all programs, ensuring that only American citizens receive food stamps. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed that the agency will actively eliminate illegal immigrants from programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is commonly known as food stamps.
In a statement on social media, Rollins emphasized, “At @POTUS’ direction, we will be reviewing ALL @USDA PROGRAMS to ensure only legal citizens are receiving benefits.” The USDA has previously informed states that illegal immigrants and certain non-citizens cannot receive SNAP benefits. The agency is now requiring states to submit recipient data to combat waste, fraud, and abuse.
Rollins pointed out that “even though 22 blue states have refused to provide the data, we are using every tool to compel their compliance.” She questioned, “WHAT are they hiding? WHO are they hiding?” This initiative comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to prioritize American citizens in the distribution of federal benefits.
The USDA’s review is particularly urgent as the agency identified that over 186,000 deceased individuals are still receiving benefits. Rollins stated, “Can you imagine when we get our hands on the blue state data what we’re going to find?” This raises significant concerns about the integrity of the SNAP program.
Additionally, a new provision from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act took effect on October 23, 2023, raising the qualifying age for work requirements from 54 to 64 years. This rule mandates that recipients engage in qualifying work or activities for at least 80 hours a month to continue receiving benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this change will reduce the SNAP rolls by approximately 2.4 million people over the next decade.
In a recent interview, Rollins stated that the recent debate over SNAP due to the government shutdown has provided a platform to “completely deconstruct the program.” She pledged to ensure that vulnerable Americans who genuinely need assistance will receive it, while also protecting taxpayers from fraud.
A USDA representative reiterated Rollins’ commitment, stating, “Secretary Rollins wants to ensure the fraud, waste, and incessant abuse of SNAP ends.” The agency plans to utilize standard recertification processes and ongoing analysis to tighten eligibility further.
As the USDA undertakes this comprehensive review, the immediate impact on millions of Americans is clear. The agency is not only focused on curbing fraud but is also reshaping the way benefits are distributed. As the situation develops, the USDA’s ability to enforce compliance among states will be crucial.
With significant changes on the horizon, the USDA’s actions are likely to stir political debate and public interest across the nation. Watch for more updates as this story unfolds and impacts the lives of American citizens depending on SNAP benefits.
