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JFCS Response to New Presidential Executive Orders and Policy Changes
In the face of changes, JFCS is steadfast in its commitment to support and work with the entire community to navigate changes and remain diligent to support the individuals and families we serve.
JFCS Response to New Presidential Executive Orders
On Monday, January 20th, President Trump issued several executive orders making changes to policies that impact the individuals we serve at JFCS, including refugees, asylum seekers and humanitarian parolees, and those in the LGBTQ+ community. We celebrate the richness and diversity of our community and the many contributions that all make that support the growth, vitality and beauty of our region and country. In the face of these changes, JFCS is steadfast in its commitment to support and work with the entire community to navigate these changes.
Read the Whole StatementCall to Action: Support Refugee Resettlement
US resettlement organizations including JFCS are still operating under the devastating order to stop all work funded by the US Department of State to aid refugees who have already arrived. JFCS is steadfast in our commitment to refugee resettlement. During this continued time of uncertainty, we have a moral obligation to serve refugees in our community as long as we can. To get involved and make a difference, click the link below.
Read the Whole StatementJFCS In the News
Our Region’s Business – Channel 11
Feb 23, 2025
JFCS CEO, Dr. Jordan Golin, discusses our essential work with refugees alongside Channel 11’s Bill Flanagan and Hello Neighbor’s CEO Sloane Davidson. Watch the interview here.
Pittsburgh area nonprofits face difficulties after losing federal funding – KDKA-TV CBS Pittsburgh
Feb 21, 2025
Read Lauren Linder’s article at KDKA-TV | CBS Pittsburgh to learn more about the federal funding cuts and its immediate impact on agencies in our community. You’ll hear from JFCS Refugee & Immigrant Services director, Ivonne Smith-Tapia. Read more here.
Allegheny County will kick in $224,000 for refugee settlement services after federal funds are cut off – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Feb 20, 2025
Do you want to learn more about the funding that Allegheny County committed to give to refugee resettlement services? Read more here.
County Executive Innamorato Announces Funding for Refugee Resettlement Services to Fill Gap Left by Federal Cuts
Feb 20, 2025
Thank you, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Mayor Ed Gainey for fighting and understanding the importance of refugee services in our area. Thank you to those who have given their voices and advocated for these services! Read more here.
Federal order halts all funding for legal services for unaccompanied minors – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Feb 19, 2025
Earlier this week, a stop work order froze federal funding for services for unaccompanied children. Many of these children have been victims of severe abuse and neglect and are looking to be reunited with family members here in the US. JFCS will continue providing legal representation to children assigned to us as they navigate the immigration legal system. Read more about this humanitarian crisis and JFCS’s response here.
Federal funding freeze leaves Pittsburgh refugee aid groups scrambling – Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Feb 16, 2025
Do you want to learn more about the impact of the refugee resettlement stop work order? Check out Jordan Anderson’s article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at the link below. Dive into the details about this ongoing humanitarian crisis and how it affects our community. Read more here.
Pittsburgh organization working with refugees impacted by President Trump’s executive orders – WPXI TV
Feb 06, 2025
It is the first time in our country’s history that funding cuts for the refugee resettlement program affected refugees already living in the United States. Dr. Jordan Golin, JFCS President & CEO stated that JFCS is steadfast in our commitment to refugee resettlement during this continued time of uncertainty. We have a moral obligation to provide essential services to refugees in our community for as long as we can. Read more here.
With federal funds stopped, local faith groups plan to redouble private efforts to settle refugees – Religion News Service
Jan 29, 2025
Since federal funding, that supports refugee resettlement, came to a stop, community partners look to private funding sources instead. Now more than ever, JFCS and other community agencies need the help of our supporters. Ivonne Smith-Tapia, Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services at JFCS breaks down our essential work of supporting newly settled families get acclimate into the community. Read more here.
Pittsburgh immigration advocates brace for uncertainty under Trump’s new restrictions –
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Jan 21, 2025
Our COO, Dana Gold shares her insights into how the Executive Orders are impacting our community of refugees and immigrants in the article below. In the face of these changes, JFCS is steadfast in its commitment to support and work with the entire community to navigate these changes and celebrate the richness and diversity of our community. Read more here.
Area of Impact
Refugee Admission Program
What JFCS is doing:
JFCS remains committed to providing services to immigrants and refugees. Our programs are still active, and we will continue offering services to all currently enrolled in our programs.
Lend Your Voice for Refugees - How To Advocate
Advocate at the local, state, and federal levels for the continuation of this vital work in partnership with many organizations. Refugees rely on JFCS and similar agencies throughout the community and each of us who live in this community to help them successfully transition into life here. Reaching out to government representatives stresses the importance of maintaining immigrant funding, SNAP funding, and Medicaid funding. Every call counts! Let’s help our community remain welcoming and supportive to all!
Templates for Emails and Calls
Sen. John Fetterman (D): (412) 803-3501
Sen. Dave McCormick (R): (202) 224-6324
Mayor Ed Gainey: (412) 255-2626
Contact the Allegheny County Executive by clicking here.
Support Our Work Today
We urgently need funding to cover the costs of resettlement work no longer supported by the US government. Your donations will help us help refugees who have recently arrived find homes, enroll in school and ESL, find jobs, get legal assistance, and integrate into our local community.
