Food banks in New England are worried they're going to be serving many more people in coming months.
That's because the federal government plans to consider use of government benefits like SNAP and Medicare when granting entry or citizenship to some immigrants.
Valerie Shultz-Wilson, CEO of the Connecticut Food Bank, said these changes will have a direct impact on organizations like hers.
“If you can’t receive SNAP benefits, or you’re afraid of applying for them, that means that you’re going to come to the Connecticut Food Bank more often out of need,” she said.
Christina Maxwell, director of programs for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, said she believes the changes will be harmful to residents.
“I think the real goal here is fear, confusion, and keeping people off of the benefits that they need,” Maxwell said.
A press release from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office estimated that the state’s SNAP program could shrink by 10% as a result of families forging the benefits to protect their immigration prospects.
Attorneys general in at least 16 states — including Massachusetts, New York, Vermont and Connecticut — have sued to stop the rule.
Ken Cuccinelli, the Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said in a statement last week the changes will promote immigrant success and what he called "long-standing [American] ideals."
The rule is set to take effect on October 15.
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