can illegal immigrants get food stamps

Illegal immigrants (undocumented immigrants) are not eligible to receive federal food stamp benefits (SNAP) in the United States as of 2025. This is enforced through enhanced identity and immigration verification practices directed by the USDA to prevent ineligible individuals, including illegal aliens, from receiving such benefits. Some immigrants who have legal status—such as naturalized citizens, refugees, asylum seekers, lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) with certain conditions, and humanitarian immigrants—may qualify if they meet income and other eligibility requirements. However, undocumented immigrants themselves cannot get food stamps directly. Some states may provide state-funded food assistance programs with different rules, but federal SNAP benefits require verification that excludes undocumented immigrants from eligibility.