The Biden administration has witnessed a decline in migrant crossings at the border, prompting the announcement of a new initiative to support communities that shoulder the responsibility of sheltering migrants. In an effort to alleviate overcrowding in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (CBP) detention facilities, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to allocate more than $380 million to aid immigrants residing in communities impacted by the border crisis.
In April, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) distributed $259.13 million in SSP grants, and this funding provides additional support.
The Shelter and Services Program (SSP) will receive the funds. It aims to support various state, local, and organizational initiatives. These initiatives provide essential assistance to immigrants who have recently been released from DHS custody and are waiting for court hearings. The support includes provisions like food, shelter, clothing, acute medical care, and transportation.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) clarified the purpose of the initiative in a statement.
“DHS efforts to manage and secure our borders in a safe, orderly, and humane way include support for communities, as well as strengthened consequences for those without a legal basis to remain and an expansion of lawful pathways that have helped reduce the number of encounters from specific populations.#
According to the federal agency, unauthorized immigrant crossings at the U.S. southwest border have decreased to the 2019 average as a result of implementing initiatives such as new lawful pathways for migrants to enter the U.S., stricter consequences for illegal crossings, and tightened asylum restrictions.
Operation Lone Star, a plan devised by Texas governor Gregg Abbott to tackle the state’s influx of migrants, has been rendered ineffective due to the significant decrease in border crossings. As a result, the initiative’s prominent proposal to transport migrants to other states remains unfulfilled.
According to Newsweek, various entities have received funds through the program. For instance, Pima County in Arizona has been granted a substantial amount of $21.8 million. In addition, smaller church ministry organizations have also been awarded grants, typically around $10,000. It is projected that numerous other projects will continue to receive grants from FEMA until the program concludes in September 2026.
