A federal judge in Washington, D.C., declined to immediately grant a request to restore funding to the largest private refugee resettlement program in the United States, a decision that represents a setback for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Judge Trevor McFadden found that a temporary restraining order requested by the bishops was not justified at this moment but described his ruling as “very tentative.”
He noted that such orders are exceptional measures that require careful consideration.
The judge has scheduled another hearing for the following week to review the bishops’ request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the administration’s suspension of funding.
Additionally, he has ordered both parties to participate in mediation with a federal magistrate judge next week.
Judge McFadden indicated a desire for further arguments from both sides before making a final decision.
The bishops are contesting the U.S. State Department’s decision to halt millions of dollars in aid beginning January 24, asserting that such a suspension affects nearly 7,000 new refugees.
They argue that withholding these funds contravenes several laws and the constitutional provision that grants Congress the authority over government spending, especially since the funding was previously approved.
“This lawsuit is really a last resort for us,” said Dhananjay Manthripragada, an attorney representing the bishops.
In light of the funding cut, the bishops’ Migration and Refugee Services have issued layoff notices to more than half of their workforce, with more reductions anticipated.
This organization is among a total of ten national agencies, many of which are faith-based, seeking alternatives since they were informed of the suspension of funding.
“If we lay them off, it’s unlikely that we’re going to get them back,” Manthripragada added.
However, the judge determined that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that their clients would face “irreparable harm” without the temporary restraining order.
The administration has stated that the country cannot accommodate more refugees at this time, and that the halt is meant to realign funding with the president’s objectives.
Joseph Carilli Jr., an attorney for the Justice Department, characterized the case as primarily a contract disagreement, arguing that a delay in funds does not constitute a breach of their agreement.
Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has suspended new refugee admissions, though a number of refugees were still within the 90-day eligibility window for resettlement support.
Judge McFadden, appointed by Trump in 2017, faces the challenge of balancing these complex legal issues.
The State Department contended that the bishops’ petition should not take precedence over existing judicial orders, referencing another judge’s ruling to release frozen funds for foreign humanitarian assistance.
The bishops’ conference has noted that while it invests millions into resettlement services beyond what federal reimbursements cover, the sustainability of the program heavily relies on federal support.
Named defendants in the lawsuit include the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services, and their secretaries, who have considerable influence over the resettlement direction given to the bishops’ conference.
The bishops assert that suspending aid will significantly prolong the struggle for recent refugees to find jobs and achieve self-sufficiency.
In a broader context, President Trump has significantly reduced the number of refugees allowed into the country, expressing strong criticism of the long-established resettlement initiatives since his second term began.
Vice President JD Vance recently cast doubts on the motivations of the bishops, accusing them of facilitating “illegal immigrants” to receive federal funds, a claim he made regarding the legally sanctioned refugee resettlement program.
Vance invoked Catholic teaching to support tighter immigration controls, provoking responses from U.S. bishops and even a subtle rebuke from Pope Francis, who emphasized the Christian duty to assist those in need beyond just local communities.
