CLARKSTON, Ga. — Antoinette, a refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, arrived in the Atlanta area last November seeking a fresh start. After losing her husband to war and being separated from her adult children, she found work packing boxes in a warehouse. This job barely covers her rent and bills, but she has relied on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for her grocery needs. Now, just as she begins to stabilize her life, she faces a new challenge.

Recent changes in federal law, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will cut $187 billion from the SNAP budget over the next decade. This law, signed by President Donald Trump, eliminates SNAP access for refugees and other legal immigrants. Although the law took effect immediately in July, states are still waiting for federal guidance on how to implement these changes.

For Antoinette, 51, the loss of food assistance is devastating. "I would not have the means to buy food," she said through a translator. "How am I going to manage?" Historically, the U.S. has welcomed refugees like Antoinette, who have fled persecution based on race, religion, or political beliefs. These individuals often undergo extensive vetting before arriving in the U.S. and typically receive federal support, including SNAP, to help them rebuild their lives.

The new budget law not only cuts SNAP but also revokes Medicaid access for refugees starting in October 2026. According to the Congressional Budget Office, about 90,000 people will lose SNAP benefits each month due to these restrictions. Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy at World Relief, criticized the cuts, stating, "It doesn’t get much more basic than food. Our government invited these people to rebuild their lives in this country with minimum support. Taking food away from them is wrong."

The White House and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have not commented on the changes. However, Steven Camarota, director of research for the Center for Immigration Studies, argued that the cuts are justified because foreign-born individuals disproportionately use public benefits. He acknowledged that refugees are a unique group, saying, "I don’t know that this would be the population I would start with. It’s a relatively small population of people that we generally accept have a lot of need."

From 2005 to 2019, federal, state, and local spending on refugees and asylum seekers totaled $457.2 billion. During this period, 21% of refugees received SNAP benefits, compared to 15% of all U.S. residents. The new law also reduces financial assistance for refugees from one year to four months.

Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, president and CEO of Global Refuge, emphasized the importance of supporting refugees. "This is not what we should think about as a handout. We know that when we support them initially, they go on to not just survive but thrive," she said.

Food insecurity can have serious health implications, particularly for those who have already faced instability. Andrew Kim, co-founder of Ethnē Health, noted that many refugees may resort to cheaper, lower-quality food options, leading to chronic health issues. Antoinette, who has lost contact with her seven children, expressed her concern about the cuts. When asked if she would shop less or skip meals, she simply replied, "Oui."

Lukas, a 61-year-old refugee from Ethiopia, also relies on SNAP to manage his diabetes. He and his family use the benefits to purchase fresh vegetables, which have helped improve his health. "The assistance gives us hope and encourages us to see life in a positive way," he said.

Experts warn that hunger and poor nutrition can hinder productivity and job retention. Valerie Lacarte, a senior policy analyst, stated, "It could affect the labor market. It’s bleak."

The immediate impact of the SNAP cuts has created uncertainty for assistance providers. State officials in Texas, California, and Georgia have reported that the USDA has not yet provided guidance on how to implement the changes. The cuts will not only affect refugees but also the nearly 42 million Americans who currently receive SNAP benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that over the next decade, more than 3 million people will lose access to food assistance due to planned changes, including stricter work requirements and shifts in funding responsibilities from the federal government to the states.

As the situation evolves, local charities and food banks are struggling to fill the gap left by the loss of federal support, raising concerns about the potential for increased hunger among vulnerable populations.