Thousands of lawfully residing immigrants in California are facing the loss of food assistance benefits, known as CalFresh, beginning this month. The changes impact refugees, asylees, and individuals from Iraq and Afghanistan with special visas for assisting the U.S. military.

CalFresh Benefit Changes

Officials estimate approximately 23,000 people in Los Angeles County will be affected by these cuts. State officials have stated that current recipients will continue to receive benefits until their renewal date. Eligibility may be restored if their legal status changes to lawful permanent resident.

“These are folks … many of whom have large families that we have a commitment to as a country because we welcomed them and invited them here to find a place of refuge,” said Cambria Tortorelli, president of the International Institute of Los Angeles, a refugee resettlement agency. “They’re authorized to work and they’ve been brought here by the U.S. government.”

The cuts stem from the federal spending bill, H.R. 1, which reduced funding for social safety net programs, including food assistance and Medicaid. President Donald Trump stated the changes fulfilled campaign promises.

CSU Student AI Usage & Concerns

Nearly every student within the California State University (CSU) system has utilized artificial intelligence (AI) tools, according to a recent survey. However, the majority of students express a lack of trust in AI results and harbor anxieties about its potential impact on their future job prospects.

Largest Higher Education AI Perception Study

The CSU poll, encompassing over 94,000 students, faculty, and staff, represents the largest study to date on AI perception within higher education. The survey revealed that while AI usage is nearly universal among students, a significant portion question its reliability.

Both faculty and students indicated a desire for greater involvement in shaping systemwide AI policies. Faculty members hold differing views on AI’s influence on teaching and research, while students emphasize the need for clear guidelines and relevant training.

Demand for AI Literacy & Policy Clarity

Students expressed a need for AI training focused on industry-specific applications. One mechanical engineering student stated, “I want to learn AI tools that are actually used in my industry, not just generic chatbots. Show me what engineers are actually doing with AI on the job.”

Katie Karroum, vice president of systemwide affairs for the Cal State Student Association, noted inconsistencies in faculty practices regarding AI use. She emphasized the need for consistent and transparent rules developed collaboratively with students. “There are going to be students who are graduating with AI literacy and some that graduate without AI literacy.”

CSU has partnered with companies like OpenAI, Adobe, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. The system-wide survey data will be used to inform future decisions regarding AI implementation and policy.