Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in Texas recently laid off nearly one-quarter of its employees following President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
According to a Feb. 11 report from Houston Public Media, Catholic Charities said in a statement that its refugee program used to receive federal funding through USRAP. Due to the executive order, however, the organization has decided to lay off 120 staff members, mainly from the refugee program.
“Catholic Charities has served the community for more than eight decades,” the statement said. “Our commitment to our mission remains strong: to serve as people of faith helping people in need achieve self-sufficiency and live with dignity.”
Speaking to Houston Public Media, immigration attorney Ruby Powers said that refugee programs like the one Catholic Charities runs help non-US citizens fleeing persecution in their home country adjust to living in America. Employees of refugee programs can welcome refugees upon their arrival, help them learn English, find housing, and provide other essential services.
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