US cuts food aid for Ukrainian residents

(MENAFN) Ukrainians living in the United States have been cut off from federal food assistance following changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as stated by reports. The Trump administration redefined eligibility, restricting benefits to US citizens, lawful permanent residents, Cubans, Haitians, and individuals under the Compact of Free Association.

Approximately 300,000 Ukrainians currently reside in the US, many of whom had been receiving SNAP payments averaging $210 per person monthly, or about $1,000 per family with children, according to charity officials. Notices sent in late October informed affected recipients that they would no longer qualify under the new rules.

The restrictions are part of Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’, enacted in July, which reduced federal support for individuals residing in the US under temporary protected status or humanitarian parole—a status granted to many Ukrainians arriving since 2022. US authorities said the measure ensures taxpayer-funded programs prioritize citizens and legal residents.

The SNAP rollback aligns with a broader trend of decreasing aid for Ukrainian refugees globally.

Countries including Poland, Germany, Latvia, Finland, and Switzerland have recently tightened eligibility rules or cut benefits, citing budgetary constraints and limited housing resources.

Reports indicate growing social tensions in Europe, with rising anti-Ukrainian sentiment. In Poland, officials highlighted frustrations over perceptions that some Ukrainian migrants are living lavishly, contributing to criticism of generous refugee support programs.

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