The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its decision to suspend federal funding for refugee resettlement.
The move comes as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to realign American priorities—protecting the homeland first, rather than funding programs that facilitate unchecked migration.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, names the State Department, the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as defendants.
USCCB is incorporated as a non-profit and headquartered in the District of Columbia.
USCCB alleges that the administration’s decision to freeze funds allocated for refugee assistance is not only unlawful but also in direct violation of congressional appropriations and statutory obligations under the Refugee Act of 1980.
According to the complaint:
For nearly 80 years, the Catholic Church has been caring for refugees within the United States. Refugees face significant challenges upon entering the country, including locating housing, learning English, and finding employment.
The Church has long helped to ease those burdens and integrate refugees into American society by providing shelter, clothing, food, and training.
This work is an expression of charity taken in fulfillment of Christ’s commandment to serve those in need, regardless of their race, creed, or color.
[…]
For more than sixty years, Congress likewise has recognized that refugee assis- tance and resettlement is not just a moral imperative, but also is essential to this country’s interests.
In 1962, in response to the increase of refugees fleeing communist countries, Congress passed the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act, which authorized the appropriation of funds to address “urgent refugee and migration needs.”
[…]
Under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, individuals outside the United States who have been persecuted or fear persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, or certain other grounds can seek legal admission into the United States. Refugees are screened abroad for eligibility and admissibility—a rigorous process that involves security and biometric checks, interviews, and medical screening, among other things.
[…]
A core component of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is federal funding for “domestic assistance” for the resettlement of newly arrived refugees, in partnership with private non-profit organizations. 8 U.S.C. § 1522. Rather than rely entirely on private charitable organizations to provide resettlement assistance, Congress made it the “policy of the United States” to commit federal funds in order to “promote opportunities for [refugee] resettlement.” Refugee Act of 1980.
The USCCB’s lawsuit hinges on the claim that the suspension of federal funds for refugee resettlement leaves thousands of refugees in limbo. But what these bishops fail to acknowledge is the utter disaster that Joe Biden’s reckless immigration policies have created.
Under his administration, the southern border became a lawless free-for-all, allowing millions of unvetted illegal immigrants to flood into American communities, overwhelming law enforcement, hospitals, and schools.
Trump’s decision to pause this funding is a necessary step to clean up Biden’s mess and reassess where taxpayer dollars are actually going. Instead of prioritizing illegal migrants, Trump’s administration is focused on helping struggling American families, veterans, and homeless citizens—a fact that the liberal media and activist organizations conveniently ignore.
Last month, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14155, titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” which suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) effective January 27, 2025.
This order halted the entry of refugees into the United States and suspended federal funding to organizations assisting refugees, including those already in the country. The suspension was to remain in effect until a determination was made that resuming the program aligned with U.S. interests.
From day one, President Trump has been clear—America’s resources must serve its citizens before being funneled into costly resettlement programs that historically have been rife with fraud and inefficiency. His recent executive order, which prompted this lawsuit, was designed to review and eliminate wasteful spending in foreign aid programs, including those that incentivize mass migration.
Yet, instead of respecting the administration’s lawful authority, the USCCB—a group that should be standing for American values—chose to challenge Trump in court.
What’s even more suspect is their legal argument: that halting taxpayer-funded resettlement efforts somehow violates federal law. Since when did charity become an entitlement to government cash?
If the USCCB is truly committed to its mission of helping refugees, why not use its own funds instead of demanding unlimited public money? The Catholic Church is one of the wealthiest institutions in the world, yet it insists on relying on American taxpayers to fund a policy that prioritizes non-citizens over struggling U.S. communities.
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