This week’s updates highlight major federal policy changes—from the end of the record-long government shutdown to new rules affecting health coverage, food assistance, visa eligibility, and enforcement practices. These developments have real implications for families, community organizations, and access to essential services.
Shutdown Ends After 43 Days, Longest on Record
The government shutdown has officially ended after 43 days—the longest in U.S. history. President Trump signed the funding bill Wednesday evening following House passage and earlier Senate approval. The bill funds three full annual appropriations—Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Legislative Branch, and Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration—and extends overall government funding through January 30.
The bill restores back pay for furloughed federal workers, reverses layoffs, and restarts suspended services including airport operations, food assistance, farm loan offices, and national parks. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) operations are reopening, allowing states to resume processing applications, recertifications, and benefit changes that were paused or slowed. However, USDA warns that full capacity will take time to restore due to backlogs. The shutdown halted key administrative functions, including call centers, case reviews, and outreach that helps eligible families enroll.The shutdown stalled federal Head Start grant payments, leaving some centers operating with furloughed staff or emergency reserves while others closed, disrupting childcare for thousands of low-income families with children birth to age 5. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) says it will now expedite funding and contact affected programs with timelines, but reduced staffing at the Office of Head Start and the risk that their furloughed workers have taken other jobs may slow reopening, with some cautioning it could take weeks for programs to fully restore operations.
What You Need to Know About Health Care Premiums During Open Enrollment
A key policy fight remains unresolved even in light of the government’s reopening: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidy extension was excluded; instead, lawmakers promised a vote by mid-December with no guarantee of passage. Republicans have tied the ACA extensions, commonly known as Obamacare, to new federal abortion limits, including a 15-week national ban and tighter medication abortion rules—a move Democrats reject as politically driven and unrelated to health-insurance affordability.
If the ACA tax subsidies expire, 2-4 million people could lose coverage in the first year, making marketplace insurance less affordable and triggering widespread financial strain. Hospitals would face $14.2 billion in lost revenue, $2.2 billion in added uncompensated care, and overall healthcare spending would fall by $32.1 billion. As patients without insurance delay care until emergencies, emergency departments would become overcrowded, worsening wait times and exacerbating staff burnout. Revenue losses force hospitals, physicians, clinics and pharmacies to cut staff and vendor spending, leading to 154,000 healthcare jobs lost, and more than 339,000 jobs cut across the US economy.
With subsidies set to expire at the end of 2025, negotiations remain stalled, raising the risk of premium hikes for working class families, and creating uncertainty for clinics and safety-net providers that depend on stable coverage rates. To advocate for the continuations of ACA subsidies, please email your elected officials by clicking HERE.
SNAP: Who Can and Cannot Receive Benefits
As part of the changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), major changes to SNAP eligibility and work requirements will reshape access for non-citizens and working class households. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that about 2.4 million Americans will lose access to SNAP benefits given these changes. Let Congress members know that they must take immediate action to reverse these cuts HERE.
Only the following categories of Non-Citizens remain eligible for SNAP Benefits under the OBBBA:
- Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders)
- Certain Cuban and Haitian nationals
- People residing in the U.S. under a Compact of Free Association with Palau, Micronesia, and the Marshall Islands (COFA)
Residents that will be Excluded from SNAP Benefits include:
- People resettled in the U.S. as Refugees
- People granted asylum or withholding of removal
- Survivors of domestic violence
- Survivors of trafficking
- People with Temporary Protected Status and valid visa holders
Additionally, starting November 1, 2025:
- Able-bodied adults ages 55–64 without dependent children, and parents of children 14+, must work at least 20 hours per week or participate in training programs. Previously, this rule applied only to adults up to age 54. However, this new rule will require more individuals, including veterans and those experiencing homelessness, to meet the 20-hour work requirement.
- States can only waive work requirements in areas with unemployment above 10%, making exemptions harder to obtain.
Visa Guidance Explained: Why Chronic Health and Income Now Matter for Visa Applications
The Trump administration has issued a cable to U.S. embassies that could make it harder for people to secure visas. Under the expanded “public charge” test, consular officers will now consider whether applicants might become a long-term burden based on health and financial factors. Chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, or mental-health challenges are now part of the review, along with savings, income, job prospects, English proficiency, and family dependents.
This shift applies to family-based, student, and some employment visas, and it raises serious concerns for communities. Families without private insurance or substantial savings may face higher denial rates, while those with chronic illnesses or disabilities risk being excluded from entry or reunification. Advocates warn the policy could create a chilling effect—deterring visa sponsors from seeking preventive care or mental-health support out of fear it could jeopardize future visa eligibility. Community organizations expect increased demand for legal help and clear guidance to ensure families understand what counts under these new rules.
Raids, Detentions, and Use of Force: How ICE Operations Are Affecting Families
A federal judge ordered the release of hundreds of people who were arrested in the Chicago area amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration raids across the city. Raids occurred in homes, workplaces, and public spaces, often without clear warrants, and targeted individuals who were not on any enforcement list. The judge ordered the justice department to produce a list showing which of the 615 possible people are still in custody, allowing their release on a bond as long as they have no criminal history or prior removal order. The judge also prohibited the government from pressuring detainees to agree to voluntary deportation while their cases are pending. While officials claim the actions focused on people with outstanding removal orders, reporting shows arrests were broader and indiscriminate—fueling fear and mistrust in communities.
In another case, British Muslim commentator Sami Hamdi was detained after his visa was revoked mid-visit during a speaking tour. He arrived in the U.S. on October 19, but his visa was canceled on October 24, leaving him classified as “illegally in the country.” On October 26, ICE detained Hamdi at San Francisco International Airport as he traveled to his next speaking engagement. He spent two weeks in custody before agreeing to leave the country. Hamdi’s case raises serious questions about the intersection of visa law, political speech, and national security powers—a clear warning that visitors may not enjoy full freedom of expression.
Separately, video shows ICE agents using pepper spray on a man driving his baby daughter during an attempted arrest. The infant was exposed to the chemical irritant, prompting calls for an investigation. ICE has not provided a detailed explanation of the use of force. Incidents like this deepen fear and mistrust, making families less likely to complete routine activities, like grocery shopping or school drop offs. Further isolating communities and increasing vulnerability to children.