A San Diego migrant shelter has announced its closure following significant changes in funding and policy under the Trump administration. The Jewish Family Service of San Diego, which has operated a regional migrant shelter for over six years, will lay off 115 employees due to these adjustments.
“Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS) is working to meet the evolving needs of the community in response to recent and anticipated federal policy changes,” the organization stated.
The non-governmental organization has not received new asylum-seeking families or individuals since the CBP One phone app went offline on January 20. This app, initially created during the Trump administration, was designed to aid in scheduling cargo inspections and later expanded to assist migrants in making appointments at ports of entry. The app’s termination on Inauguration Day marked a shift in how migrants could be paroled into the U.S.
Customs and Border Protection reported that by the end of December, over 936,500 individuals had made appointments to be paroled through the app. The Biden administration’s efforts to expand “lawful pathways” included utilizing the app for these purposes.
However, with the app no longer in use, the San Diego Rapid Response Network Migrant Shelter Services, operated by JFS, has seen a halt in new arrivals.
Jewish Family Service has supported 200,000 migrants through San Diego County since 2018, providing temporary shelter, meals, and transportation across the U.S.
“With migrants no longer able to use the CBP One application, the San Diego Rapid Response Network (SDRRN) Migrant Shelter Services has not received new asylum-seeking families and individuals released from short-term federal custody,” read a statement from JFS. The organization is pausing its operations until future community needs are more clearly understood.
In light of these changes, the organization is shifting focus towards providing pro bono legal services and community support resources. CEO Michael Hopkins commented, “We’ve been preparing for these changes in federal policies and enforcement.” Although the shelter services have paused, there is an increased demand for immigration legal assistance and social service supports in the area.
Jewish Family Service’s collaboration with community partners continues as they explore new ways to offer assistance. Despite claims of receiving no funds, JFS was allocated $22,077,365 in taxpayer-funded FEMA money for Fiscal Year 2024, according to grant records. Fox News Digital reached out to JFS and FEMA but did not receive an immediate response.
The organization’s efforts are now directed towards supporting vulnerable San Diegans through legal and social services. The cessation of the CBP One app has had a significant impact on the flow of migrants and the operations of shelters like JFS. As policies shift, organizations must adapt to continue supporting those in need.
In the broader context, the changes reflect ongoing debates about immigration policy and federal funding. The shift in focus by JFS is a response to the evolving landscape of immigration enforcement and community needs.
The organization’s history of assisting migrants highlights the complexities and challenges of addressing immigration issues on a local level.
The closure of the San Diego shelter underscores the impact of federal policy changes on local communities. As organizations navigate these changes, the role of community support and legal assistance becomes increasingly vital. The story of JFS is one of adaptation and resilience in the face of shifting governmental priorities.
In conclusion, the situation in San Diego is emblematic of broader national trends in immigration policy. Organizations like JFS play a crucial role in supporting migrants and adapting to policy changes. As the political landscape evolves, the need for local support and legal assistance remains a pressing concern.
The impact on employees and the community is significant, as 115 staff members face layoffs. The cessation of new arrivals at the shelter marks a turning point in their operations. As federal policies continue to shift, the implications for local communities and organizations are profound.
The future of immigration policy remains uncertain, but the need for community support and legal services is clear. Organizations like JFS must continue to adapt to changing circumstances to support vulnerable populations. The story of the San Diego shelter is a testament to the resilience and dedication of those working to assist migrants.
See, it is not only the Catholics (Catholic Charities) that use government money to harm the American citizens!