JFCS Response to New Presidential Executive Orders and Policy Changes

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

February 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.

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.

Refugee Admission Program 

The government is suspending the Refugee Resettlement Program for at least four months and will admit refugees only on a rare, case-by-case basis. A report will be issued in 90 days to assess the program’s future.

The government has cited arguments that are not backed by data:

• Our communities cannot welcome refugees and immigrants.

• Refugees use too many government resources.

• Refugees are incapable of assimilating and paying taxes.

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.

Unaccompanied Minors Program 

Legal service providers representing unaccompanied minors—children who cross the border without their parents—were issued a stop work order from the Trump administration, cutting federal funding.  

Nationwide, there are over 100,000 youth served through this program, which provides legal screenings and advice while the process to reunite them with sponsors in the United States is underway. Over 26,000 of these children are also provided legal representation in state and immigration courts. Many of the children served through these programs have been victims of severe abuse and neglect and have legal pathways available to remain in the United States through processes created by Congress. 

What JFCS is doing:

In just the last year, JFCS has provided services to over 650 unaccompanied children through Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings, as well as legal representation for over 50 youth, and will continue to do so for as long as we’re able to through other funding sources.

We believe that the humanitarian process to help these vulnerable children understand their rights and reunite with family is important. We hope that as policies continue to evolve that funding for this important program is reinstated to continue to help these children.  

For more information on unaccompanied minors and their legal process, please click here.

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 refugee services and funding. Every call counts! Let’s help our community remain welcoming and supportive to all! 

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. 

Find your state legislator by clicking here. 

Find your Congressperson by address by clicking here.