Catholic bishops are taking legal action against the Trump administration over a sudden halt in refugee resettlement funding, claiming the move is unlawful and detrimental to vulnerable populations.
At a Glance
- U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) sues Trump administration for stopping refugee resettlement funding
- Lawsuit claims funding cut violates laws and constitutional provisions
- Funding halt leads to layoffs and disrupts services for thousands of refugees
- USCCB argues the cut causes long-term damage to the largest private resettlement program
- Bishops emphasize their mission to support vulnerable populations, including refugees
Catholic Bishops Challenge Trump Administration’s Funding Cut
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting the abrupt halt of funding for refugee resettlement programs. This legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the funding cut is not only unlawful but also harmful to refugees and the nation’s largest private resettlement program.
The lawsuit contends that the administration’s decision violates existing laws and the constitutional provision that grants Congress control over funding. It names the State and Health and Human Services Departments, along with their respective secretaries, Marco Rubio and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as defendants.
The funding suspension has already led to significant consequences for the USCCB’s operations. Fifty workers at the organization’s Migration and Refugee Services have received layoff notices, with more cuts expected in local Catholic Charities offices. This disruption threatens the support structure for thousands of refugees under the USCCB’s care.
“The Catholic Church always works to uphold the common good of all and promote the dignity of the human person, especially the most vulnerable among us,” said Archbishop Timothy Broglio, President of the USCCB. “That includes the unborn, the poor, the stranger, the elderly and infirm, and migrants.”
As of January 25, 6,758 refugees were under the USCCB’s care, eligible for resettlement aid for up to 90 days. The funding halt is expected to delay these refugees’ ability to find employment and achieve self-sufficiency, potentially causing long-term challenges for their integration into American society.
Why don’t these men ever stop to think about the safety and wellbeing of the American people?
Financial Strain and Program Sustainability
The USCCB is currently awaiting $13 million in reimbursements for expenses incurred before the funding cut. This financial strain puts the organization in a difficult position, as it attempts to maintain its resettlement program without federal support.
“USCCB spends more on refugee resettlement each year than it receives in funding from the federal government, but it cannot sustain its programs without the millions in federal funding that provide the foundation of this private-public partnership,” the lawsuit states.
Archbishop Broglio emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “The Conference suddenly finds itself unable to sustain its work to care for the thousands of refugees who were welcomed into our country and assigned to the care of the USCCB by the government after being granted legal status.”
This legal challenge brings to the forefront broader disputes over the Trump administration’s approach to immigration and its impact on humanitarian commitments. The USCCB’s lawsuit argues that the resettlement program is a domestic initiative, not foreign aid, highlighting the complex nature of refugee assistance and its place within U.S. policy.
Trump has the backing of the American people. Who is backing these guys?
