USDA Secretary Rollins Directs Agency to Prevent Food Stamp Access for Unauthorized Immigrants
Brooke Rollins, who was appointed as agriculture secretary earlier this month, stated that the directive adheres to the president’s executive order issued on February 19.
Rollins directed the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) “to promptly clarify and enforce all regulations limiting beneficiaries to U.S. citizens and legal residents only,” according to a press release from the agency.
“The era in which taxpayer dollars are utilized to subsidize illegal immigration has come to an end,” Rollins stated in the February 25 press release that accompanied the letter. “Today’s directive reaffirms that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will adhere strictly to the law—no exceptions.”
Rollins referenced President Donald Trump’s February 19 executive order mandating all federal agencies to pinpoint any federally funded programs providing financial assistance to illegal immigrants and “take corrective measures” to ensure that funds allocated to states and localities “will not support sanctuary policies or aid illegal immigration.”
In 1996, Congress enacted the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, “which generally prohibits illegal aliens from receiving federal benefits, including SNAP benefits,” Rollins remarked in the letter directed at state, tribal, territorial, and local government partners.
“With its implementation, illegal aliens in the United States should not rely on taxpayer dollars for their needs,” she articulated. “President Trump’s executive order reaffirms this vital national policy—and prioritizes the needs of American citizens.”
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She outlined several priorities, including efforts to combat fraud and abuse within SNAP and other programs; clarify statutory and regulatory mandates; and enhance customer service for program beneficiaries.
Rollins also discussed her objectives to tie SNAP benefits to clear work expectations for those capable, create new pathways for connecting American farmers with nutrition assistance programs, and ensure that federal dietary policy is driven by scientific evidence rather than political agendas.
“We face a historic opportunity to enhance nutrition programs to better support the individuals who need help,” Rollins concluded in her letter. “Our mutual aim should be to lift millions of Americans out of dependency and into promising futures filled with possibilities.”
Brooke Rollins, president and CEO of the America First Policy Institute, addresses a rally for Republican presidential nominee and former President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27, 2024. Andrew Kelly/Reuters
Rollins is anticipated to collaborate with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on various issues. Kennedy was confirmed as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on February 13.
The USDA and HHS are working toward a deadline of late 2025 to finalize the 2025–2030 edition of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
Kennedy has stated his focus will be on removing ultra-processed foods from school lunches, eliminating harmful chemicals from food, and implementing other initiatives to tackle what he describes as a “chronic disease epidemic” in the United States.
The former Democrat and independent presidential candidate has also pledged to prohibit the purchase of candy, soda, and other “junk foods” with food stamps under the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Chase Smith contributed to this report.
