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

The new rules restrict which immigrants can receive food stamps.

FILE PHOTO: A handwritten sign advertises that "Food Stamps (EBT)" are accepted at a convenience store, as tens of millions of Americans might not receive food stamps and other food aid in November because of the government shutdown, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, U.S., October 24, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo

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.