Social media users are accusing The Chicago Tribune of burying the lede with a story about “immigrants” who may lose assistance.
The article, titled “More than 16,000 immigrants in Illinois may lose food assistance in the coming months,” frames the story as “refugees, asylum-seekers and survivors of human trafficking” no longer being eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) following federal changes.
From the article:
The tighter restrictions on food and health assistance benefits are dictated by the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” the Trump administration’s economic policy package passed by Congress in July. As a result, thousands of immigrants relying on the benefits now face the risk of hunger and sickness, experts say.
“I mean, fundamentally, this means that people are gonna go hungry,” said Nolan Downey, senior director of policy at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, calling the recent budget bill’s changes to SNAP eligibility for immigrants a “dramatic departure from long-standing policy in this country.”
Immigrants who will remain eligible for SNAP are certain green-card holders, Cuban and Haitian entrants and those residing under the Compact of Free Association, among other categories of lawfully permanent residents. Immigrants without legal status have never received SNAP benefits.
But X users weren’t convinced that all of the recipients are in the United States lawfully, as the story claimed:
Why they are getting government assistance is beyond me.
— Mayra Flores (@MayraFlores4TX) April 13, 2026
If they need food assistance they should be back in their home countries.
— Stacy Washington (@StacyOnTheRight) April 11, 2026
16,000 immigrants on food assistance should be the story.
What the hell?
— Chief_Engineer (@ChiefEngineerCE) April 11, 2026
It’s funny because when we moved to Mexico we had to show the government that we wouldn’t be a burden to their taxpayers, by giving them information on our net worth and income.
— Danny Raisor-Micheletti (Danzerelli) (@DannyRaisor) April 11, 2026
“immigrants” meaning people illegally present in the US.
“food assistance” meaning tax dollars meant for legal US residents.
— Rick Saunders (@twobenjamins) April 11, 2026
“More than 16,000 illegal aliens in Illinois may lose access to your wallet in the coming months“
Fixed it for you, you are welcomes
— Anti child-mutilator, leave them kids alone (@Thegreatunwoken) April 11, 2026
Importing people who aren’t self sufficient is a huge problem.
If you can’t afford to put food on the table without the assistance of the host’s tax payers, you need to leave.
— alexandra (@Seven7Alexandra) April 11, 2026
How are these immigrants making America stronger if other Americans have to pay for their food? There should be no immigrants coming to America who cannot be self-sufficient. They should return to where they came from where food prices are cheaper.
— Myshkin (@ode_to_fyodor) April 11, 2026
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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