Alejandro Mayorkas United States Secretary of Homeland Security | Official Website
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the allocation of over $380 million through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP). This funding, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to support communities providing essential services such as food, shelter, clothing, acute medical care, and transportation to noncitizens recently released from DHS custody awaiting immigration court proceedings.
The new grant cycle offers a competitive program that builds on previous support for border and interior communities. In April 2024, DHS distributed $259.13 million in SSP grants. Last year, more than $780 million was awarded through SSP and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program – Humanitarian Awards (EFSP-H) funding in Fiscal Year 2023 to various organizations and cities nationwide.
"DHS efforts to manage and secure our borders in a safe, orderly, and humane way include support for communities," said a DHS spokesperson. The department's strategy also includes strengthened consequences for those without a legal basis to remain in the country and an expansion of lawful pathways which have contributed to a reduction in encounters from specific populations.
According to CBP’s operational report for July 2024, there was a significant decline in migrant encounters following President Biden's Presidential Proclamation issued on June 4, 2024. The proclamation temporarily suspended the entry of certain noncitizens across the southern border. In July 2024, U.S. Border Patrol encounters were 32% lower than in June 2024, marking the lowest monthly total along the southwest border since September 2020.
Despite these efforts, DHS acknowledges that not all requests can be fulfilled due to substantial demand exceeding the limited SSP program funding authorized by Congress.
For more information on the Shelter and Services Program, visit fema.gov/grants/preparedness/shelter-services-program.
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