Publisher: Supermarket News
Published: September 21, 2026
Source: Read at Supermarket News (https://www.supermarketnews.com/food-accessibility/federal-judge-rules-against-some-snap-restrictions)
Category: Food Access
A federal judge in Oregon ruled for 22 states and the District of Columbia in a case over SNAP benefits for certain lawful permanent residents. The ruling found that the administration's deadline for implementing SNAP changes was unlawful and arbitrary, so the states received a reprieve from fines for missing it. The court also found that guidance improperly excluded some lawful permanent residents from food assistance they are legally entitled to receive. The ruling clarifies that the standard five-year waiting period does not apply to lawful permanent residents who were previously refugees, asylees, or other humanitarian immigrants.
Why this matters: Stores serving SNAP customers may see less uncertainty about benefit access for these lawful permanent residents. The decision also limits the risk of an immediate disruption caused by fines tied to the missed implementation deadline.
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