Image Credit: Gov. Bill Lee / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Governor Bill Lee is waiting on clarification from the federal government over which immigrant groups are eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Certain groups of non-citizens have recently been removed from participating in the federally run program.
Twenty-one states have banded together to write a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for the agency to reconsider their guidance in removing some legal immigrants from SNAP.
While Tennessee was not one of the states that sent the letter, Lee said last week that the guidance was unclear and that the state has to be sure about what its responsibility is before any changes can be implemented.
Lee said that those who ought to get SNAP benefits should get them, but that the federal government needs to tell the state of Tennessee who is eligible as it is a federal program.
The governor said that while Tennessee is ready to comply with the guidance, the state is waiting to hear back from the USDA.
The non-citizens who will no longer be eligible for benefits are those who have been granted asylum, refugees, and parolees. Only lawful permanent residents (LPR) — commonly referred to as “green card holders” — remain eligible.
According to ICE, the categories of non-citizens losing access to benefits are considered lawful immigrants.
The letter that was sent to the USDA argues that some groups, like refugees who are now ineligible for SNAP, qualify for LPR status, therefore the agency’s guidance has categorized them “incorrectly.” The letter also pointed out that according to the law, non-citizens that become LPRs immediately become eligible for the benefits.
The USDA has promised clarification in the form of further guidance, but a timeline for this has yet to be given.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has said that the state was not made aware of the letter, nor were they asked to join the other states in signing on. Skrmetti has not shared an opinion on the issue.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has said that the state was not made aware of the letter, nor were they asked to join the other states in signing on. Skrmetti has not shared an opinion on the issue.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
