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Some refugees say SNAP cuts are leaving them in limbo

Refugees in Iowa are losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to last year's passage of the federal "Big Beautiful Bill," which now bars many immigrants and asylees from accessing food assistance.
Kamran, a refugee from Syria who came to Iowa, faces profound hardship as his family of eight relies on one income while he manages health issues. "It's like we are back again in Syria, and we, we feel lost, like we did in Syria," Kamran said.
Danielle, who arrived in Iowa as a refugee, described the impact as "devastating," explaining that many women with young children cannot work. "It's really difficult, as with, for women and their young children, some of the people in my community that I know have younger children, you know, and they're not able to work," Danielle said.
Urbandale Food Pantry CEO Patty Sneddon-Kisting reported that the "anytime room" is averaging 390 visits daily, with last week breaking a record at 397 visitors. "Our shelves can be full, as you can see today. There's not a lot on our shelves because access to the anytime room has increased dramatically," Sneddon-Kisting said.
Mashek explained that many individuals must adjust their immigration status to permanent resident and obtain green cards to retain benefits. Iowa Health and Human Services did not respond to requests for comment on the eligibility changes or administrative challenges facing residents.

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