The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has decided to end its partnership with the federal government for refugee resettlement and children's services. This decision comes in response to the Trump administration's funding cuts and policy changes regarding refugee programs. The USCCB has expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts and the suspension of federal support, which has made their partnerships 'untenable'. The conference is also seeking reimbursement for resettlement services. The USCCB had partnered with the government for around 45 years.
about 1 month ago
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has decided to end its cooperative agreements with the federal government regarding refugee resettlement and children's services 1 2. This decision was prompted by the Trump administration's policy changes and funding cuts to refugee programs 1 4.
For approximately four and a half decades, the USCCB partnered with the federal government to provide resettlement services to refugees and support unaccompanied minors 1 2. These services were provided through affiliated Catholic organizations and were largely funded by the federal government 1 2. During the Biden administration, the USCCB received over $100 million annually, covering more than 95% of the program expenses 1 2. The USCCB also established a Bureau of Immigration in 1920 to assist displaced families 1 2.
The Trump administration halted the entry of new refugees and ended federal support for programs that funded USCCB affiliates and other NGOs 1 2. The administration argued that these programs strained federal and local social services and facilitated unsustainable migration 1 2. These actions led to the suspension of cooperative agreements with the USCCB 4 5.
In response to the funding freeze, the USCCB filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration 1 2. The organization also laid off 50 employees and numerous Catholic charities announced layoffs due to the funding shortfall 1 2. The USCCB is seeking reimbursement of over $24 million for resettlement services already provided 4 5. Archbishop Broglio stated that the USCCB "simply cannot sustain the work on our own at current levels or in current form" 1 2.
The end of this partnership has significant implications for refugee resettlement efforts and the care of unaccompanied minors 4 5. Anthony Granado of the USCCB emphasized that the agreements were "really about people," including refugees, families, and affected staff 4 5. The USCCB acknowledged the difficult decision and its potential impact on those seeking safe harbor 4 5.
Despite ending the formal partnership, the USCCB plans to identify alternative means of support for those already admitted to the programs 1 2. The organization will continue advocating for policy reforms that provide orderly and secure immigration processes 1 2. The USCCB also remains committed to advocating on behalf of men, women, and children suffering from human trafficking 1 2.
The Catholic Church's teaching on welcoming the stranger is deeply rooted in the Gospel and Tradition, emphasizing the inherent dignity of every person and the Christian call to fraternal love and solidarity . This teaching is particularly relevant in the context of current events, such as the USCCB's decision to end its refugee partnership with the US government due to funding cuts and policy changes .
The Church's teaching on welcoming the stranger is firmly grounded in Scripture. Jesus himself identifies with the stranger, stating, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me" (Mt 25:35) . This passage is a "constant admonition to see in the migrant not simply a brother or sister in difficulty, but Christ himself, who knocks at our door" . Pope Francis emphasizes that on the Day of Judgment, the Lord will recall, "I was a stranger and you did not welcome me" (Mt 25:43), urging us to recognize Christ in the foreigner today .
Furthermore, the Church understands that all people are members of a single family, brothers and sisters created in God's image and likeness . As Gaudium et Spes states, "in his fatherly care for all of us, God desired that all men should form one family and deal with each other in a spirit of brotherhood... All, in fact, are destined to the very same end, namely God himself, since they have been created in the likeness of God" . This divine plan excludes no one, and each person must be attentive to those who are strangers in society .
The Church's teaching translates into concrete actions and advocacy. The USCCB, for example, has historically partnered with the federal government to provide resettlement services to refugees and support unaccompanied minors . Although the formal partnership ended, the USCCB continues to advocate for policy reforms that provide orderly and secure immigration processes . Catholic organizations serve migrants and other newcomers in accordance with their religious beliefs, affirming the inalienable rights and dignity of every person and providing Christian charity as a visible sign of God's love and mercy to those in need .
The parish community plays a crucial role in welcoming refugees, sensitizing its members to their plight and exhorting them to welcome them as Jesus taught . Christian communities must overcome fear and suspicion toward refugees, seeing in them the Savior's face . This requires benevolence, respect, trust, and sharing, practical expressions of a culture of solidarity and hospitality .
Welcoming the stranger is not always easy, especially in times of social crisis and cultural gaps . Pope John Paul II acknowledged that cultural gaps often inspire mistrust and fear, and public opinion sometimes blames immigrants for economic problems . However, the Christian response is to go against the current, recognizing, welcoming, and serving Christ himself in our brothers and sisters . This requires a conversion of heart, particularly among those who are outside the Church .
The Church's teaching on welcoming the stranger is a call to see Christ in every person, regardless of their origin or status. It demands concrete actions of welcome, protection, promotion, and integration . Despite challenges and difficulties, the Church remains committed to this mission, driven by the Gospel mandate to love and serve all, especially those most in need . As Pope Benedict XVI stated, welcoming the stranger is a "gesture of veneration" .