Lawmakers Seek Limited Relief for Vulnerable Groups, Narrowing Eligibility in 2025
Oregon advocates are not giving up their push to provide food aid to immigrants who are excluded from federal assistance programs. With the state’s hunger relief efforts falling short in 2023, advocates are hoping for a fresh start in 2025—albeit with a narrower scope.
On January 27, 2025, at a rally held at the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, food security organizations and lawmakers gathered to support a new bill that would provide state-funded food benefits to immigrants who cannot access federal food assistance, especially those under the age of 26 or older than 55. While not a comprehensive solution, this legislation marks a new chapter in a prolonged battle for immigrant inclusion in Oregon’s food aid system.
A Struggle to Reach More Immigrants
In 2023, advocates hoped to expand food benefits to a larger group of immigrants, but their efforts fell short. The original proposal, which sought to provide state-funded food benefits to an estimated 62,000 immigrants, failed to make it past a budget subcommittee. Instead, the coalition—comprising over 160 organizations, including the Oregon Food Bank—has adjusted its approach for 2025.
The new version of the bill, Senate Bill 611, would target younger and older immigrants who are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. Those who are either under 26 or 55 and older and who are ineligible for food assistance under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would benefit from the state’s aid. This more targeted approach is a direct response to the challenges faced in 2023, where a broad-reaching proposal was defeated.
“We are deeply committed to a stronger, more equitable Oregon,” said Wlnsvey Campos, a Democratic representative from Aloha and one of the bill’s chief sponsors. “This bill is a step in the right direction, not just for food, but for the opportunities to thrive that every Oregonian deserves.”
Who is Left Behind by Federal Aid?
The federal government’s SNAP program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, helps feed nearly 770,000 Oregonians, providing about $138.4 million in food benefits every month. However, many immigrants—especially those who are undocumented, part of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, or legal permanent residents who have not yet lived in the country for five years—are excluded from this aid.
For example, legal permanent residents typically must have lived in the U.S. for five years before qualifying for SNAP, while undocumented immigrants are excluded altogether. This leaves some of Oregon’s most vulnerable populations without vital support when they need it most.
“This bill isn’t just about food—it’s about equity,” Andrea Williams, president of the Oregon Food Bank, emphasized in an interview. “Our seniors and children are some of the most food-insecure groups. By focusing on these populations, we’re addressing their immediate needs and showing that we’re serious about creating a more just society.”
The Strain of Food Insecurity
Food insecurity in Oregon is already a pressing issue, with nearly 447,000 households relying on SNAP to provide for their families. The average benefit issued in November 2024 was $309 per month per household, but for many immigrants, this support is out of reach. According to food aid organizations, immigrants who fall outside of the federal eligibility criteria are often the most vulnerable to hunger, particularly seniors and young children.
The new bill is a compromise, aiming to provide aid to those most at risk without extending it to the larger group of ineligible immigrants who were originally included in the 2023 proposal. Advocates, however, see it as just a first step.
“We don’t want to stop here,” Williams added. “This is a critical first step to supporting our communities, but eventually, we’d like to see food assistance extended to every immigrant, regardless of their age.”
Local Support Growing
The bill has garnered strong support not only from immigrant advocacy groups but also from other sectors of the community, including religious groups, social justice organizations, and health-focused advocates. These groups argue that food security is a basic right for all people, regardless of immigration status, and that failing to extend aid to vulnerable immigrants exacerbates inequality in Oregon.
Supporters argue that helping immigrants access food assistance would not only improve their health and well-being but also strengthen the state’s economy by ensuring that a larger portion of the population can contribute productively to their communities.
Key points of Senate Bill 611 include:
- Eligibility for immigrants under the age of 26 or over 55 who are ineligible for SNAP.
- Focus on reducing food insecurity in children and seniors.
- Extension of state benefits to those excluded from federal assistance programs like DACA and recent legal residents.
Group | Eligibility Criteria | Current Aid Status | Proposed Bill Aid Status |
---|---|---|---|
Undocumented | Ineligible for SNAP | No aid | Yes, if under 26 or 55+ |
DACA recipients | Ineligible for SNAP | No aid | Yes, if under 26 or 55+ |
Legal Permanent Residents (less than 5 years in US) | Ineligible for SNAP | No aid | Yes, if under 26 or 55+ |
A Long Road Ahead
While the bill has made strides in focusing on the most vulnerable immigrant populations, advocates are still hoping for a broader solution in the future. The current bill is seen as a stepping stone, and many believe that expanding eligibility for food assistance will ultimately lead to a stronger, more inclusive Oregon. As discussions continue, lawmakers and advocates alike remain committed to ensuring that no one goes hungry—regardless of their immigration status.
Comments