Trump admin faces lawsuit after SNAP benefits taken away from immigrants

Democratic attorneys general from 21 states and the District of Columbia sued the Trump administration on Wednesday to block the federal government from cutting off Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for certain lawful immigrants, including refugees and people granted asylum.

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Oregon, challenges guidance the U.S. Department of Agriculture issued in October directing states to deny assistance to several categories of permanent residents. The states argue the Trump administration is imposing restrictions that were not included in the broad tax and policy law enacted this summer.

State officials say the penalties for providing benefits to the newly excluded groups are so severe that they could force states to shut down their SNAP programs altogether. The lawsuit marks the latest clash over SNAP, which the administration sought to pause during the recent government shutdown.

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow. 

This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.