In a major development, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has decided to halt its cooperative agreements with the federal government, citing policy changes under the Trump administration that have dramatically reduced funding for refugee programs.
This marks the end of a decades-long partnership aimed at helping vulnerable refugees resettle in the U.S. and access essential services.
A Painful Decision to Part Ways
The USCCB’s decision was described as “difficult” by Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, who addressed the issue in a statement released on April 7.
He explained that although this is a painful end to a partnership that had endured through multiple presidential administrations, it also opens up an opportunity for Catholics to rethink and explore new ways to assist refugees and migrants in need.
Broglio emphasized that the policy shift had forced the USCCB to reassess how best to serve those seeking refuge from violence and persecution.
The change in funding cuts significantly affected the organization’s ability to provide essential support, especially for minors who arrived in the U.S. without parents or guardians.
A Four-Decade Partnership
For nearly 45 years, the USCCB had worked closely with the federal government to provide resettlement services to refugees, including minors who were separated from their families.
These efforts, which spanned administrations of both political parties, were instrumental in offering sanctuary to thousands of displaced individuals seeking safety in America.
Archbishop Broglio expressed the sadness of this decision, noting that all participants in these programs were welcomed by the U.S. government.
These individuals viewed America as a place of hope and opportunity, even amidst the turmoil they had fled.
A Shift in Administration’s Policies
Under President Biden’s administration, the federal government provided substantial funding—over $100 million annually—to the USCCB.
These funds were redirected to Catholic organizations that assisted in resettling refugees.
For years, federal funds covered the vast majority of the program’s expenses, ensuring that the work of these organizations could continue.
However, the Trump administration took a different approach, halting the entry of new refugees and ending support for the programs that funded organizations like the USCCB.
The administration argued that these programs placed undue strain on both federal and local resources and contributed to unsustainable levels of migration.
The Legal Battle and Layoffs
In response to the funding freeze, the USCCB took legal action against the Trump administration in February, filing a lawsuit to challenge the decision.
The financial shortfall forced the USCCB to make significant cuts, including the layoff of 50 employees.
Many other Catholic organizations have been similarly impacted, announcing job losses as a result of the funding cuts affecting both domestic and international refugee services.
This ongoing situation has led to growing concerns about the future of refugee support and the role of non-governmental organizations in providing critical services to those in need.
As the USCCB reassesses its next steps, the broader Catholic community is being called to consider new avenues for offering assistance and support to displaced individuals.
