Tensions are rising in the U.S. regarding the future of refugee resettlement as tens of thousands of recently arrived individuals face the risk of losing essential support for their basic needs, including food and housing. This situation follows an executive order from the Trump administration that has led to a halt in federal funding for resettlement agencies, creating significant uncertainty for those who assist these vulnerable populations.
Agency officials are urgently seeking clarification from authorities about how they can continue to support the refugees already in their care. As Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, the leader of Global Refuge, pointed out, the suspension of federal funding “paralyzes the program.” The federal refugee program, which has operated for decades, is intended to aid individuals fleeing war, persecution, or natural disasters. Despite longstanding bipartisan support for refugee admissions, the program has recently become increasingly politicized.
Religious organizations handle most of the refugee resettlement efforts across the United States, with seven of the ten federally funded national agencies rooted in faith-based initiatives. HIAS, a Jewish resettlement agency, voiced frustration at the lack of direction from the government regarding funding. Mark Hetfield, its president, declared that they will challenge the government’s decisions and fight for the support essential for their operations.
The Trump administration had already ceased new refugee admissions, but the latest order, described as a “stop work” order, raises concerns for the refugees in the U.S. who rely heavily on federal assistance during their initial months. This foreign assistance was previously curtailed before the administration’s suspension of all federal grants and loans, part of a broader ideological reevaluation of government spending policies.
Although Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled that some funding for “life-saving” humanitarian aid could continue, agencies remain in limbo, unsure if they will be granted any waivers that would facilitate ongoing support for their domestic programs. Agencies are striving to honor their commitments even as they face severe financial constraints due to the potential loss of federal funding, which they describe as essential for sustaining their operations and staff.
Matthew Soerens, the vice president of advocacy and policy for World Relief, expressed concern about the plight of thousands of individuals already settled in communities across the country. He emphasized that their goal is to help refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency quickly, allowing them to manage their expenses independently. In response to the funding crisis, World Relief has initiated fundraising activities aimed at providing support for rent and ongoing services for new arrivals.
The ramifications of the stop-work order are significant. A letter from the State Department clearly stated that grant funding for resettlement is “immediately suspended” while a review of foreign assistance programs takes place, as mandated by President Trump. This directive compels resettlement agencies to halt all ongoing work, avoid incurring new costs, and cancel outstanding financial obligations.
Many agencies reported receiving similar communications, indicating a widespread concern regarding various refugee categories, including those arriving with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). These individuals include Afghans who previously assisted U.S. military operations and are now in urgent need of support alongside their families.
U.S. religious institutions, with a tradition spanning over a century in refugee resettlement, now face a dire situation. Vignarajah highlighted that welcoming refugees is fundamental to their mission, while Erol Kekic of Church World Service reported that around 12% of nationwide resettlements are facilitated by their organization, with significant numbers now potentially impacted by funding cuts.
Refugees go through extensive vetting processes, and advocates like Soerens argue that U.S. efforts to support persecuted individuals should not be sidelined. Various organizations, including Mission Adelante, have commenced fundraising initiatives aimed at addressing the immediate needs of families facing uncertainty due to funding suspensions, emphasizing that community support is crucial to fill any gaps left by the government.
The situation could potentially affect over 26,494 refugees and SIV recipients, with significant increases expected as statistics from recent months are fully analyzed. Although refugee admissions dropped severely during the last Trump administration, the Biden administration has worked to rebuild the program, acknowledging a robust public support framework for refugee resettlement.
Pew Research Center findings indicate a continuing majority support for refugee resettlement among the general populace, including among core constituents of the previous administration. However, political scrutiny remains, as showcased by Vice President JD Vance’s criticism of the Catholic Church’s role in immigration advocacy.
In light of the challenges presented by halted funding, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reaffirmed its commitment to refugee resettlement, acknowledging the financial support received but clarifying that this support does not cover the entirety of resettlement program costs. Overall, the future of refugee resettlement hangs in the balance as agencies wrestle with funding uncertainties amidst a turbulent political landscape.
