New CalFresh eligibility rules took effect April 1, eliminating food assistance for many lawfully present immigrants under a federal law passed in 2025.
The changes, part of H.R. 1 — also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — remove eligibility for several groups, including certain asylees, refugees and most parolees, as well as people with legal protections from deportation and some survivors of human trafficking.
Some groups remain eligible, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents and limited humanitarian exceptions.
The policy is expected to affect tens of thousands of people locally. At a River City Food Bank distribution site in Sacramento, long lines formed Wednesday as people sought food assistance.
“We’re anticipating about 57,000 people in Sacramento County are going to be impacted by the SNAP changes,” Jena Edoho, operations director at River City Food Bank said.
For many, the changes are already creating uncertainty.
“That would be horrible, they all have teenagers, they need food and finding jobs for people who don’t speak English — it’s not easy for them,” one volunteer said while helping people in line.
Amalia Cruz, a CalFresh outreach coordinator at River City Food Bank, said the changes will have a significant impact on immigrant communities that rely on the program.
“A lot of them are depending on these benefits to bring some food to the table,” Cruz said.
Cruz said some people rushed to apply before the deadline because those already enrolled can continue receiving benefits until their next renewal.
Food banks say demand is expected to rise as benefits phase out.
Additional changes are set to take effect June 1, requiring more adults without dependents to meet work or community engagement requirements to keep their benefits.
Rep. Doris Matsui, a Democrat representing Sacramento, criticized the policy, saying it could harm vulnerable communities.
“Those SNAP changes have been really horrible. To take it back from people who need it the most is absolutely ridiculous,” Matsui said.
Officials say current recipients will not lose benefits immediately but will have their eligibility reviewed at their next recertification. Help is available through local county offices, food banks and immigrant resource centers.
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