A federal judge has temporarily upheld the abrupt suspension of Catholic refugee resettlement funds in a high-stakes clash between religious groups and the Trump administration. U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden declined to issue an emergency order restoring $7 million in halted grants on Thursday, calling for deeper analysis of constitutional spending powers.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops sought urgent relief after losing federal support for nearly 7,000 recently arrived refugees.
Temporary restraining orders require overwhelming justification,McFadden stated, ordering parties into mediation before Magistrate Judge Robin Meriweather next week.
Key impacts of the funding freeze include:
- Layoffs affecting 50% of Migration and Refugee Services staff
- Disrupted housing/job training for refugees within 90-day eligibility window
- Constitutional debate over executive branch spending authority
The bishops argue the January 24 funding halt violates congressional appropriations powers while the State Department claims alignment with presidential priorities. This legal battle occurs amidst reduced refugee admissions under Trump, who suspended the program upon retaking office.
Vice President JD Vance escalated tensions by accusing Catholic leaders of profiting from illegal immigrant resettlement despite program participants being vetted refugees. Religious leaders responded with Pope Francis’ teachings on universal charity, creating ideological fractures within the church.
Approximately 60% of national refugee agencies face similar operational crises following the foreign aid review. With State Department reimbursements frozen indefinitely, the bishops warn this disruption undermines refugees’ path to self-sufficiency and risks long-term bureaucratic gridlock.