SNAP Guidance on Termination of CHNV Parole Programs

The March 25, 2025, Notice issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entitled “Termination of Parole Processes: Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans” (90 FR 13611) terminates the categorical parole programs established in 2022 and 2023 for aliens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela and their immediate family members (known as “CHNV parole programs”). Parole status for all aliens under the CHNV parole programs will terminate by April 24, 2025, if such status has not already expired before that date.

Section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 USC 1182(d)(5)(A)) authorizes the Secretary of DHS to temporarily parole aliens into the United States on a case-by-case basis. Aliens temporarily paroled into the United States for more than one year are “qualified aliens” who may receive SNAP benefits if they meet other eligibility requirements.¹ If an alien’s status as a parolee is revoked or expired and they are not in another qualifying status, such alien is not eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); those already enrolled in SNAP will no longer be eligible for SNAP at recertification.

In accordance with law, on or after the effective date that CHNV parole status is revoked or an alien’s CHNV parole status expires, state agencies must:

• if already enrolled, remove the aliens and any immediate family members paroled under a CHNV program as SNAP beneficiaries at the next recertification unless such aliens are in another qualifying status,² and
• cease approving SNAP benefits for aliens and any immediate family members paroled under the CHNV program, unless such aliens are in another qualifying status.

State agencies are reminded that the term “Cuban-Haitian Entrant” (CHE) is a reference to benefit eligibility rather than immigration status. The term is unrelated to CHNV parole status. CHEs are qualified aliens under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. To be considered a CHE, an alien must meet the definition of a CHE under section 501(e) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (8 USC 1522 note). The DHS Notice of March 25, 2025, has no impact on eligibility of CHEs for SNAP.

However, state agencies must take necessary measures to verify CHE designation by, among other things, use of Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system per section 11(p) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 USC 2020(p)).

Sincerely, 

John Walk
Acting Deputy Under Secretary
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services

¹ Certain aliens must meet one additional condition to be eligible for SNAP such as: five years of residence; 40 qualifying work quarters; children under 18; blind or disabled; elderly born on or before Aug. 22, 1931, who lawfully resided in the United States on Aug. 22, 1996; or military connection. The alien must also meet all other SNAP financial and non-financial eligibility requirements to receive SNAP benefits.
² Pursuant to USDA regulations at 7 CFR 273.12(a)(1), 7 CFR 273.12(d), and 7 CFR 273.18, households are not liable for a claim due to a change in circumstances the household is not required to report. Since households are not required to report a change in immigration status, aliens who lose SNAP eligibility at recertification due to termination of parole under the DHS Notice of March 25, 2025, are not subject to a claim for over issuance for the benefits received after their parole status was revoked.