San Diego Migrant Shelter Closes Amidst Funding Cuts and Policy Changes
Introduction:
Amidst a shifting political landscape and policy changes, the Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) has announced the closure of its migrant shelter, resulting in the layoff of over 100 employees. The facility, which has operated for over six years, has faced challenges due to federal funding cuts and policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Funding and Policy Changes:
JFS has cited the termination of asylum-related funding and policy adjustments as the primary reasons for the shelter’s closure. Specifically, the organization has not received new asylum-seeking families or individuals since the CBP One phone app ceased operation on January 20, 2023.
This app, initially created to assist with cargo inspections, was expanded to facilitate migrant appointments at ports of entry. Later, it became a gateway for migrants to be paroled into the United States under the Biden administration’s initiative to expand lawful pathways. As of December 2022, over 936,500 individuals had made appointments through the app.
However, with the app’s discontinuation, the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, has seen a decline in the number of asylum-seekers released into its care. Consequently, the organization has decided to pause its shelter services until it gains a clearer understanding of future community needs.
Shift in Focus:
In light of these changes, JFS is redirecting its immigration efforts towards providing pro bono legal services and community support resources. The organization recognizes the increased demand for immigration legal assistance and other social service support for vulnerable populations in San Diego.
CEO Michael Hopkins stated, "We’ve been preparing for these changes in federal policies and enforcement. While there are no longer individuals or families seeking asylum released from short-term federal immigration custody to our Shelter Services, we are seeing increased needs for immigration legal assistance and other social service supports to vulnerable San Diegans."
Funding Discrepancy:
Despite JFS’ claim of not receiving federal funds, records from the FEMA website indicate that the organization received $22,077,365 in FEMA grants during Fiscal Year 2024. Fox News Digital has reached out to JFS and FEMA for clarification regarding this discrepancy, but has not yet received a statement.
Long-Term Implications:
The closure of the JFS migrant shelter reflects the broader impact of policy changes affecting immigration in the United States. The discontinuation of the CBP One app and the reduction in asylum-related funding have significantly hindered the ability of organizations like JFS to provide essential services to vulnerable migrants.
As the political and policy landscape continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will affect the provision of support and services to the migrant community in San Diego and beyond.
