Decision follows government\’s suspension of cooperative agreements, prompting reevaluation of support strategies.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced on April 7, 2025, that it will not renew its cooperative agreements with the federal government concerning children\’s services and refugee support. This decision comes in response to the government\’s suspension of these agreements, compelling the USCCB to reassess its methods of assisting individuals seeking refuge from violence and persecution.
Since its inception in 1917 as the National Catholic War Council, the USCCB has been dedicated to aiding families fleeing war, violence, and oppression. In 1920, the organization established a Bureau of Immigration to help displaced families find new opportunities in the United States. Over the years, partnerships with the federal government expanded these lifesaving programs, benefiting individuals from various parts of the world. Participants in these programs underwent rigorous screening before their arrival in the U.S., with many seeking a place to worship and pray safely.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, stated that the government\’s decision to suspend cooperative agreements has forced the organization to reconsider how best to serve those seeking safe harbor. He emphasized that while the USCCB cannot sustain the work at current levels without these agreements, efforts will be made to identify alternative means of support for individuals already admitted to these programs. The USCCB will continue advocating for policy reforms that provide orderly, secure immigration processes and remain committed to supporting victims of human trafficking.
This development marks the end of a decades-long partnership between the USCCB and the federal government across administrations of both political parties. The organization urges Catholics to seek new ways to assist and asks for prayers for the staff and refugees affected by this change.