CLEVELAND — First, all new arrivals were halted. Then, funding was cut—and now, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have come to an end for many because of the national spending bill.

Three years ago, Akbar Shenwari resettled in Cleveland with his family of seven from Afghanistan.

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) helped him get on his feet and find a job, while government services like SNAP helped cover groceries.

“For a family of seven like me, we were given about $800 with the food benefits, plus I was working as well,” said Shenwari.

But now, that help is gone.

“It's a very, very bad situation right now,” said Shenwari.

“For the first time ever in the history of the United States refugee assistance program, families who would be arriving

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