Recent announcements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have sparked discussions about federal spending on migrant services. Specifically, the question arises: did FEMA spend money on illegal immigrants? This article aims to clarify the facts surrounding FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program (SSP) and how it allocates funds to support communities assisting migrants.
Through the SSP, authorized by Congress, DHS, via FEMA and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has announced $300 million in grants. An initial allocation of $275 million is being distributed to 55 grant recipients. These funds are designated for communities providing essential services to migrants awaiting the resolution of their immigration proceedings. A further $25 million will be allocated later in the fiscal year to address evolving needs at the border and in interior communities. Additionally, a separate competitive grant program under SSP will distribute $340.9 million before the fiscal year concludes.
This funding aims to provide crucial support to communities that are experiencing strain due to increased migration. The grants are intended for temporary shelter and other necessary costs associated with supporting migrants as they navigate the legal immigration process. It’s important to note that these funds are not directly provided to undocumented immigrants themselves, but rather to governmental and non-governmental organizations that offer direct services.
This recent announcement builds upon previous efforts to support communities. In the past year, over $780 million was awarded through SSP and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Humanitarian Awards (EFSP-H). These funds reached organizations and cities across the nation, demonstrating a consistent effort to address the needs of communities impacted by migration. Furthermore, DHS is working to streamline work permit processes for eligible noncitizens, aiming to integrate them into the workforce and support local economies.
DHS emphasizes that these support measures are part of a broader strategy to manage and secure borders in a safe, orderly, and humane manner. This strategy includes strengthened enforcement measures for those without a legal basis to remain in the country. From May 12, 2023, to April 3, 2024, DHS removed or returned over 660,000 individuals, primarily from the southwest border. The majority of individuals encountered at the southwest border in recent years have been removed, returned, or expelled.
However, the demand for resources significantly exceeds the current SSP funding levels authorized by Congress. As a result, not all funding requests can be met. DHS is urging Congress to pass the bipartisan border security agreement, which would allocate an additional $1.4 billion to the SSP. This additional funding, alongside broader reforms and resources, is seen as crucial to effectively respond to ongoing global migration challenges.
In conclusion, FEMA, through the Shelter and Services Program, is indeed spending money to support migrant services. This funding is directed towards communities and organizations providing shelter and essential services to migrants, including those who may be undocumented, as they go through immigration proceedings. The program is intended to alleviate the burden on communities and manage migration in a humane and orderly way, while DHS continues to call for more substantial and sustained funding from Congress to meet the ongoing needs.
For more detailed information about the Shelter and Services Program, please visit www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program.
