KARAH RUCKER: A GOVERNMENT PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES SOCIAL SERVICES TO UNDOCUMENTED MIGRANTS IS IN THE MIDDLE OF TUG-OF-WAR BETWEEN REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS.
SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE LOOKING TO CUT THE PROGRAM. WHILE HOUSE DEMOCRATS ARE LOOKING TO ADD MORE FUNDING.
THE PROGRAM AT-HAND OFFERS A VARIETY OF SERVICES FREE FOR AN ELIGIBLE 3OO THOUSAND MIGRANTS.
THE SERVICES INCLUDE ACCESS TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, CHILDCARE, TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, AND LEGAL COUNSELING BEFORE THEIR HEARING IN IMMIGRATION COURT.
THE PROGRAM IS RELATIVELY NEW – IT STARTED IN FISCAL YEAR 2021 WITH A 5 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET.
DEMOCRATS ARE WANTING AN ADDITIONAL 20 MILLION DOLLARS TO GO TOWARD THE PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023.
NOT ONLY ARE REPUBLICANS CALLING FOR DEFUNDING THE PROGRAM – BUT THEY’RE ASKING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY FOR ADDITIONAL OVERSIGHT AND LOOKING AT WAYS TO REFORM HOW THE FUNDING IS USED.