USDA Must Give States More Time to Implement Food Stamp Restrictions: Judge

The new rules restrict which immigrants can receive food stamps.

A sign advertises that "Food Stamps (EBT)" are accepted at a convenience store in Chelsea, Mass., on Oct. 24, 2025. Brian Snyder/Reuters

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must extend a deadline for states to implement new immigration-related eligibility restrictions on food stamps, a federal judge ruled on Dec. 15.

U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai, during a hearing in Eugene, Oregon, issued an injunction requiring the USDA to extend the expiration date of a grace period for the states to comply with the new restrictions on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.