Last Updated: February 27, 2025
What’s New:
On Wednesday, the Department of State terminated thousands of grants ahead of a court-ordered deadline to unfreeze billions in federal funds. The terminated agreements include essential and life-saving assistance abroad and for refugees in our communities who recently arrived legally through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
Earlier this week, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the administration’s refugee ban and related funding freeze. The ruling came during oral arguments in Pacito v. Trump, a lawsuit challenging the President’s executive order indefinitely suspending refugee admission. The lawsuit was brought by three resettlement agencies and nine individuals impacted by the policy.
What’s Next:
In Pacito v. Trump, the judge will issue a written order in the coming days. The administration is already considering appealing this decision.
For now, tens of thousands of refugees remain stranded in unsafe conditions abroad. The termination of grant agreements and the federal government’s failure to reimburse LSSNCA for services provided to refugees in our communities continue to put hundreds of our new neighbors at risk of homelessness and food insecurity.
In a separate legal battle over the administration’s refugee funding freeze, USCCB v. Department of State, mediation is scheduled for February 28.
Related Coverage:
ABC7: DMV Nonprofit Providing Foster Case, Refugee Services Awaits $2 Million In Federal Funds – February 25, 2025
POLITICO: Judge blocks Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions to the U.S. – February 25, 2025
What’s Needed:
The administration’s actions have resulted in layoffs and furlough of LSSNCA team members, creating additional challenges for the people we welcome. Your support helps ensure our communities remain committed to welcoming people seeking safety during this difficult time.
- Call your members of Congress. Encourage your Senators and House Representative to speak out against these administrative actions. Use our advocacy page for instructions and a script.
- Donate. The administration’s actions have created a major funding gap. Your financial gift will help support refugees in our communities.
- Volunteer. Whether you have a few hours or can offer ongoing support, we need help welcoming our new neighbors. Employers looking to expand their workforce are also encouraged to connect with us.
What’s Happened:
- February 26: The Department of State terminates thousands of grant agreements, including reception and placement services to recently arrived refugees.
- February 25: A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction from the bench, blocking the administration’s pause on the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in Pacito v. Trump.
- February 18: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sues the administration to release critical funds to support refugees.
- February 13: LSSNCA issues a statement on the unexplained federal grant freeze impacting over 800 refugees and LSSNCA’s operations. This cashflow crisis forces LSSNCA to furlough 26 team members and it is unable to make payroll for half its team. Furloughs later increased to a total of 29 team members.
- February 10: Legal action begins. IRAP, Church World Service, HIAS, and LCSNW file a lawsuit (Pacito v. Trump) against the refugee ban and funding freeze.
- January 24: Refugee resettlement agencies, including LSSNCA, receive a stop work order, halting services to newly arrived refugees. Put 400 refugees in the D.C. metro area at risk of food insecurity and homelessness. LSSNCA layoff 42 team members.
- Afghans with Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) were also halted, and flights were canceled.
- January 24: Representative Connolly (VA-11) reintroduces the Lady Liberty Act, a bill that would require the President to set a goal of admitting a minimum of 125,000 refugees annually. LSSNCA has proudly endorsed the Lady Liberty Act.
- January 22: The refugee ban goes into effect early. Thousands of refugees – already vetted and approved for travel - have their flights canceled at the last minute.
- January 20: President Trump signed over 100 executive orders, including an indefinite suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), a freeze on foreign aid, and termination of humanitarian protections.
