NEWS
New Mexico to provide assistance to legal immigrants who lost SNAP benefits
One-time payments come from a $12 million legislative appropriation
The state of New Mexico will provide financial assistance to lawfully present immigrants who lost their SNAP benefits under the Trump administration’s eligibility changes, which began affecting recipients at the start of this month.
The changes, part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” discontinue SNAP benefits for those with legal status who entered the country under asylum and refugee laws for urgent humanitarian reasons, like fleeing war, persecution or sex trafficking.
SNAP is now only available to U.S. citizens and qualified lawful permanent residents. Immigrants living in the U.S. without legal authorization are not, and were never eligible to receive most federal benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Some 19,500 legal immigrants in New Mexico may lose their SNAP eligibility due to the new laws, officials at the New Mexico Health Care Authority said.
These New Mexicans will receive a one-time payment, funded by a $12 million appropriation from the state Legislature during last October’s special session, to offset the loss of federal food assistance.
The payment is calculated based on a percentage of the SNAP benefits a household was receiving. The funds will be added to SNAP customers’ EBT cards, state officials said.
To be eligible for the stipend, SNAP customers who lost federal eligibility due to the changes must complete their renewal via the state Health Care Authority. The state-funded assistance is only available for SNAP recipients who were enrolled before Jan. 1.
SNAP customers should still complete their renewals on time despite federal changes, Health Care Authority Secretary Kari Armijo said.
“Renewal keeps people connected, helps us determine eligibility accurately, and allows state-funded assistance to reach families faster,” Armijo said. “No one should assume they can no longer get help — renewing is how we make sure support continues during this transition.”
Anyone looking for assistance with their SNAP benefits should visit their local HCA Income Support office or call 1-800-283-4465. More information about the SNAP changes is available at hca.nm.gov/snapchanges.
Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com.
