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H.R. 1 Legal Non-Citizen Policy Implementation begins March 1, 2026

A new federal law, Public Law 119-21 (H.R. 1, signed July 4, 2025) changes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility policy for certain legal non-citizens. Details of the policy changes are outlined below. 

When these changes apply

For the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), these policies apply to applications received on or after March 1, 2026. Active SNAP cases will see these policies applied at the unit’s next recertification. The policy starts with recertifications processed on or after March 1, 2026. 

For the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), these policies apply to applications received on or after March 1, 2026. These policies will be applied to active MFIP cases at the unit’s next six-month review or recertification. The policy applies to six-month reviews and recertifications processed on or after March 1, 2026.

The following non-citizen classifications are eligible for both federal SNAP and MFIP (federal-funded cash and food):

  • Cuban entrants
  • Haitian entrants
  • Compact of Free Association (COFA) Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau 
  • Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who have held LPR status for at least 5 years, or who qualify for an exemption from the 5-year waiting period, are eligible. Amerasians, Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrant Visa Holders who are LPRs upon arrival are also eligible under this category.

The following non-citizen classifications are eligible for MFIP (federal-funded cash/ state-funded food) but are not eligible for SNAP (state and federal-funded SNAP):

  • Refugees
  • Afghan and Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees
  • Trafficking victims
  • Asylees
  • Withholding of Removal/Deportation Withheld
  • American Indians born in Canada 
  • Battered spouses, children and parents of battered children
  • Paroled into the U.S. for one year or more

There are no changes to the Minnesota Food Assistance Program (MFAP), also referred to as “state-funded SNAP”.

Download H.R. 1 Legal Non-Citizen Policy Guide