The proposed reductions account for less than a half a penny for every dollar spent on the food stamp program. Under the agricultures reform savings plan. eligibility requirements are harmonized between Federal assistance programs so that food stamp benefits go to those truly in need. By tightening the categorical eligibility for some temporary assistance to needy families (TANF) recipients as well as the eligibility requirements for noncitizens. this legislation ensures that the Nations most needy will continue to receive this Federal assistance. When an individual enters the country to become a legal permanent noncitizen. an affidavit is signed indicating that they will not participate in programs such as food stamps. however. this is not the reality. Under current law. noncitizens are eligible for food stamps after five years ot resident status. The house agriculture committees savings reform plan extends this time requirement to seven years. This provision will not affect children noncitizens. Noncitizens who are 60 years old and above and are currently receiving food stamp benefits on the date of enactment will not be affected. Additionally. noncitizens who have submitted their citizenship application by date of enactment and currently receive food stamps would still be eligible to receive food stamps. After five years. noncitizen residents can apply for U.S. citizenship. If approved. they can apply for food stamps immediately. If someone chooses to remain a noncitizen. that choice will result in a longer waiting period to quality for food stamps. It is essential that the House approves a reform savings plan. While all government safety net programsincluding agriculture need to be sustainable. the burden of addressing the nations budget pressures needs to be broadly shared in order to be effective.
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