LSS-SW Calls Us to Stand with Refugees: Speak Up for SNAP Access Today
What's going on with Refugee Resettlement in the US amid the shutdown?
Each year Congress and the President work together to set a number for how many refugees are allowed to enter the United States. This is called the Presidential Determination. The Presidential Determination usually happens in September, before the start of the new fiscal year. Since the Government is currently shut down, no determination has been made for this fiscal year. There have been reports that when the Presidential Determination is made, it may be set at 7,500, the lowest in history.
LSS continues to work with those who were resettled prior to January 20th when resettlement was paused. We provide services such as employment assistance, case management, youth mentorship, school impact (helping children get adjusted to school and provide assistance and resources to the families and teachers), case coordination (determining what services are needed and referring internally or to other community resources as needed), and mentorship (pairing a community volunteer with a refugee youth to work on specific goals such as: applying for college, obtaining employment, tutoring for school, English language practice and other goals).
Changes in eligibility affecting refugees
Recently, OBBA (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) removed refugees from being an eligible population to receive SNAP benefits.
Historically, refugees were able to receive temporary assistance as they got on their feet. Since they usually come with little or nothing to their name, this temporary assistance helped them during the crucial time of obtaining employment, getting their kids enrolled in school and getting settled. This benefit helped them keep food on the table for themselves and their children.
The loss of this benefit will put a further strain on food pantries in the community which are already seeing rising numbers of individuals needing food assistance. Statically, refugees pay back more in taxes than they ever use in benefits. SNAP benefits were a temporary and crucial lifeline for families.
For further details on loss of SNAP assistance to refugees, click here,
Advocate for Refugees
Our local policymakers in Arizona need to know and understand what is happening. Constituents in their district are suddenly losing access to crucial assistance for a basic right, the right to food. LSS is working to meet with legislators in whose districts a large number of refugees reside. However, it is important that every legislator in the State understands what is happening, regardless of the number of refugees residing in their district.
If you are interested in LSS accompanying you to a visit with your legislator, please reach out to Jay Eberle at jeberle@lss-sw.org. We can arrange the details, make the agenda and talking points, and lead the discussion. You can join as a constituent and participate as much or little as you wish.
Advocate for food for all those in need!
Advocate for the continuation of SNAP funding during the Government shut down
In addition to refugees losing assistance, on October 23 the Arizona Department of Economic Security issued the following statement, "Due to instruction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Arizona Department of Economic Security will be unable to provide Nutrition Assistance (NA or SNAP) benefits in November until further notice of the USDA. Approved participants of the SNAP program will be unable to collect November benefits until federal funding is released to the States." This applies to all individuals on SNAP.
We ask that you reach out and ask lawmakers and the Department of Agriculture to release SNAP contingency funds to ensure no delays in benefits for food assistance as the shutdown continues.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America created an easy outreach to your Federal Congressmen. Click below to fill in your information and send a message to Congress.
Urge USDA to Release SNAP funds - Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
