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Some refugees say SNAP cuts are leaving them in limbo

Refugees in Iowa are losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits due to last year's passage of the federal "Big Beautiful Bill," which renders many immigrants and asylees ineligible for food assistance.
Kamran, a refugee from Syria who came to Iowa, faces profound uncertainty after losing benefits his family of eight depends on due to health issues limiting his income.
"It's like we are back again in Syria, and we, we feel lost, like we did in Syria," Kamran said. Danielle, another Iowa refugee, called the situation "devastating" and noted women with young children cannot work.
Urbandale Food Pantry CEO Patty Sneddon-Kisting reported the "anytime room" averages 390 daily visits, with last week breaking a record at 397 visitors as demand surges.
Mashek stated many individuals must adjust their immigration status to retain benefits, while Iowa Health and Human Services declined to comment on the administrative challenges refugees now face.

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