USCCB Challenges Trump Administration’s Halt on Refugee Resettlement Funding
Background
On January 23, 2017, the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration issued a suspension letter for a refugee resettlement program operated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). The program, authorized by the Refugee Act of 1980, has resettled over 930,000 refugees in collaboration with the U.S. government.
USCCB’s Lawsuit
In response to the suspension, the USCCB filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. The lawsuit alleges that the administration’s actions violate the Refugee Act and exceed its authority to cut congressionally approved funding.
Key Arguments
- Breach of Contract: The USCCB argues that the State Department’s suspension letter violated an agreement to reimburse the USCCB for its work up to January 24, 2017. The lawsuit claims that the reimbursement has not been received.
- Unlawful Funding Freeze: The USCCB contends that the Trump administration’s unilateral cut-off of funding is illegal. The organization maintains that Congress has already approved the funding and that the administration cannot terminate it without congressional approval.
- Impact on Refugees: The suspension of funding has forced the USCCB to begin laying off employees responsible for refugee resettlement, which will hinder the organization’s ability to provide assistance to refugees who have already arrived and are in its care.
Legal Precedents
The USCCB’s lawsuit joins a growing number of legal challenges against the Trump administration’s funding cuts to various government programs and agencies. Similar lawsuits have been filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Planned Parenthood, and a coalition of environmental groups.
Previous Ruling on USAID Freeze
On March 17, 2017, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to lift its three-week funding freeze on U.S. foreign aid. The administration had argued that the freeze was necessary for a review of each program’s effectiveness. However, the judge ruled that the administration failed to justify the blanket suspension and ordered the programs to be reinstated.
Implications for Other Funding Cuts
The USCCB’s lawsuit and the previous ruling on the USAID freeze suggest that the Trump administration may face legal challenges to its other funding cuts. Organizations affected by the cuts may argue that the administration is exceeding its authority and violating contractual obligations.
Conclusion
The USCCB’s lawsuit is a significant challenge to the Trump administration’s efforts to halt refugee resettlement and cut funding to other government programs. The lawsuit alleges that the administration’s actions violate the law and will have detrimental effects on refugees and other beneficiaries of the affected programs. The outcome of the lawsuit will have implications for other funding cuts proposed by the administration and will test the limits of its executive authority.
