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Legislators urge Vermont to restore food aid for Afghan SIV holders after Oct. 1 SNAP change
Summary
Vermont lawmakers and refugee resettlement organizations pressed state officials on Nov. 1 after the state implemented federal SNAP changes that removed benefits for many recently arrived noncitizens, including some Afghan special immigrant visa holders, leaving families without food assistance.
Vermont lawmakers and refugee resettlement agencies pressed state officials on Nov. 1 over the sudden loss of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for some Afghan arrivals after the state implemented federal changes on Oct. 1.
Molly Gray, executive director of the Vermont Afghan Alliance, told the committee Vermont has resettled roughly "650 Afghans" and argued that special immigrant visa (SIV) holders should retain SNAP eligibility because H.R.1 amended the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 but — she said — earlier statutes and guidance treat SIV holders like refugees. "As soon as someone becomes a lawful permanent resident...they are eligible for SNAP benefits," Gray said, urging the state to reinstate benefits and provide back pay to Oct. 1.
Sonali Samal Singh, field office director for USCRI Vermont, described families who lost benefits on Oct. 1 and offered agency counts the state can use for outreach. USCRI identified 46 "highly vulnerable" households and estimated…
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