SNAP Benefit Restrictions Impact Refugees and Immigrants in Bay Area
In California, approximately 70,000 resettled refugees and humanitarian immigrants lost access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits as of April 1, following the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation, passed in July 2025, introduced significant cuts to social support services, including SNAP, while increasing defense and immigration enforcement spending. The changes have particularly affected large households, seniors without disabilities, and able-bodied adults without dependents. Refugees and other protected immigrants have been completely cut off from CalFresh, California's SNAP program. Nonprofit organizations like Samaritan House in San Mateo County are stepping in to provide food and other services to those affected. Hugo Campos, Vice President of Programs and Services at Samaritan House, notes the increased demand for their services, highlighting the fear and uncertainty among refugees and immigrants due to rising living costs and reduced support. 
