WASHINGTON – A federal judge has declined to issue an immediate injunction against the Trump administration’s sudden suspension of funding for the nation’s largest private refugee resettlement program, marking a setback for those advocating for refugee assistance.
Judge Trevor McFadden denied a request for a temporary restraining order that aimed to restore the funding, although he characterized his decision as “very tentative.”
In a move towards resolution, McFadden has scheduled a mediation session for both parties with a federal magistrate judge next week.
“A temporary restraining order is an extraordinary remedy that should be granted sparingly,” McFadden stated. “I want to see further briefing from the parties.”
The request from advocates seeks to prevent the U.S. State Department from implementing a suspension initiated on January 24, which has influenced nearly 7,000 newly arrived refugees.
Advocates claim that the suspension of millions in resettlement funding breaches a variety of laws, including the constitutional provision that grants Congress the power over federal spending, as the funding had previously been approved.
The Migration and Refugee Services division has reportedly laid off a substantial portion of its staff, with further cuts anticipated. This announcement follows the abrupt funding freeze implemented by the State Department that affects multiple national agencies, many of which are faith-based organizations, after notification on January 24 about the review of foreign aid programs.
The administration has argued that the country cannot accommodate additional refugees at this time and that the funding suspension aligns resources with the president’s priorities.
President Trump halted new refugee admissions upon taking office, but thousands of individuals who arrived shortly before this decision were still within the eligibility window for resettlement aid.
Judge McFadden was appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in 2017.
The State Department countered the bishops’ requests by asserting that the administration should not face conflicting court orders, citing that another federal judge has already mandated a lift on a freeze regarding foreign humanitarian aid.
The bishops’ conference indicated that while they allocate millions for resettlement beyond federal reimbursements, they cannot sustain the program without government support.
The lawsuit includes several key defendants, such as the Departments of State and Health and Human Services and their respective secretaries, who play roles in overseeing resettlement initiatives.
Supporters of the bishops’ conference argue that suspending resettlement efforts will further delay refugees’ paths to employment and self-sufficiency.
President Trump’s administration has faced criticism for significantly reducing refugee admissions and has resumed imposing strict controls on immigration practices.
Vice President JD Vance recently accused the bishops’ conference of misappropriating funds under the guise of resettling refugees, suggesting that public funding is directed towards unlawful immigration activities. Vance’s remarks were challenged by U.S. bishops and sparked a response from Pope Francis, emphasizing the moral obligation of aiding those in need.
