A Turning Point for Catholic Humanitarian Work in the U.S.
USCCB Ends 50-Year Refugee and Children's Services Partnership with Federal Government—What This Means for the Church and the Vulnerable
In a historic and sobering decision, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has announced it will not renew its longstanding cooperative agreements with the federal government to provide refugee resettlement and children's services. The announcement, made public on April 8, 2025, effectively brings to a close more than five decades of Catholic-led humanitarian aid for some of the most vulnerable populations in the U.S.
The USCCB’s decision follows ongoing shifts in federal policy, most notably the Trump administration’s prior suspension of agreements that significantly restricted the Church’s ability to carry out its mission within the framework of government-sponsored programs.
A Half-Century Legacy Ends
For over 50 years, the Catholic Church in the United States—through the USCCB and its affiliated Catholic Charities—has been at the forefront of resettling refugees, offering legal and spiritual support, and caring for unaccompanied minors. These services have been a living expression of the Church’s deep commitment to the teachings of Christ: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25:35).
This move marks the end of an era. While the USCCB has emphasized that it will continue to support individuals already in its programs and advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, it acknowledges that the landscape of Church-led outreach will now look very different.
Why It Matters
The impact of this decision is significant—not only for those served by the programs, but also for Catholic institutions, parishes, and laypeople who have supported and volunteered in these efforts.
Refugee families and children may now face longer wait times, reduced services, or even loss of care altogether.
Local diocesan charities that partnered with the USCCB will need to reevaluate funding sources and operational structures.
Catholic identity as a voice for the marginalized may face scrutiny, as the Church distances itself from federally funded direct aid—though this may also be seen as a reclaiming of spiritual independence.
A Broader Reflection
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, reaffirmed the bishops’ commitment to serving the vulnerable and defending human dignity, despite the end of these contracts. “The mission continues,” he stated, “but in a way that allows the Church to act according to her conscience and commitment to the Gospel.”
In a time when immigration remains a deeply divisive political issue, the Church’s withdrawal from these federal programs invites both reflection and action. It raises important questions for American Catholics:
How can the Church continue to serve refugees and children without government funding?
What new roles must lay Catholics, parishes, and dioceses take on?
Will this decision reinvigorate grassroots Catholic charity—or weaken its reach?
Moving Forward with Faith
This moment may well be a call to return to the roots of Catholic service: community-based care, personal sacrifice, and spiritual solidarity with the poor. While the infrastructure may change, the mission remains unchanged.
In the words of Pope Francis, “The future of humanity does not lie solely in the hands of great leaders, but in the hands of those who build peace with their daily gestures.” For the Catholic Church in the U.S., the days ahead may demand more gestures of faith and courage—from all of us.