Arkansas Lawmakers Approve SNAP Benefits for Marshallese Migrants
Emergency Rule Addresses High Poverty Rates Among Pacific Islander Community
According to the ARKANSAS ADVOCATE, on Thursday Arkansas lawmakers approved a rule to give SNAP benefits to migrants from the Marshall Islands. This follows a new federal law signed by President Biden on March 9, 2024 which updates eligibility for public assistance programs for people from the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau. Arkansas which has the largest Marshallese community in the U.S. is quickly implementing this change.
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) presented the emergency rule to the Arkansas Legislative Council’s Executive Subcommittee emphasizing the urgent need due to high poverty rates among the Pacific Islander community in the state. Janet Mann DHS deputy secretary noted that over 32% of Arkansas’s Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population live below the poverty line making the emergency rule essential to safeguard public health and safety. The rule was swiftly approved without discussion and will take effect as soon as the council meeting ends. A permanent rule is expected to be in place by December 1.
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$200 Million in SNAP Benefits to Be Restored to 12,000 Marshallese Migrants in Arkansas Following New Federal Law! (PHOTO: Arkansas Advocate)
Report Highlights Need for SNAP Benefits; Retroactive Access Available for Marshallese Migrants
This change follows a report showing that SNAP benefits are needed to help with food insecurity in the Marshallese community. The Compact Impact Fairness Act supported by Rep. Steve Womack and Sen. John Boozman helped restore these benefits. Marshallese migrants lost access to these programs under the 1996 welfare law but Medicaid was restored in 2020, and now SNAP benefits are being reinstated. The USDA has said that people denied benefits since March 9, 2024 can reapply or request a fair hearing to get retroactive benefits.
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