Funding for San Antonio’s Migrant Resource Center on Hold Amid Federal Concerns
Federal funding aimed at supporting the Migrant Resource Center in San Antonio has encountered a significant delay. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has halted payments, requesting specific information regarding the migrants served during critical incidents like the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri.
FEMA’s Concerns Over Compliance
In a letter dated March 11, FEMA outlined its noncompliance stance toward the City of San Antonio, indicating that it is temporarily withholding payments due to legitimate concerns about the intended use of federal funds. The letter expressed apprehension that the funding associated with the Shelter and Services Program might be funneled to organizations participating in or facilitating illegal activities, which includes potentially inducing immigration to the United States.
Information Request from FEMA
FEMA has mandated the City of San Antonio to provide comprehensive documentation concerning the migrants assisted at the resource center. This includes:
- Names and contact information of the migrants served
- A detailed list of services provided
The agency has stipulated a 30-day timeline for the submission of these documents, which could impact ongoing support for refugees if not fulfilled.
Financial Implications for San Antonio
The City of San Antonio is currently awaiting reimbursements totaling over $15 million, including $9.1 million related to COVID-19 relief efforts and nearly $6 million from Winter Storm Uri. However, these funds are contingent upon compliance with FEMA’s information requests.
According to city officials, San Antonio has utilized $35.9 million of the $47.2 million allocated by federal sources for migrant assistance, with FEMA having disbursed $22.5 million thus far. A remaining balance of $13.2 million is still pending reimbursement.
Conditions for Receiving Federal Support
In addition to the document request, FEMA has added stipulations requiring San Antonio and associated organizations to assert through signed affidavits that they are unaware of any participation in illegal activities by staff or volunteers involved in the program.
Impact on Local Organizations and Refugees
The letter sent by FEMA also reached Catholic Charities of San Antonio, an organization deeply involved in providing services to migrants. Antonio Fernandez, the CEO of Catholic Charities, highlighted the scale of their operations, stating, “At the Centro de Bienvenida MRC, we were able to help over 325,000 people.”
This suspension of funds poses a significant threat to existing services. Fernandez noted that over 10,000 refugees in San Antonio receive support from Catholic Charities, including recent arrivals from challenging backgrounds. The freeze could jeopardize crucial resources that include:
- Rental assistance
- Food security
- Acculturation and educational resources
Conclusion
As the City of San Antonio prepares to respond to FEMA’s information requests, officials emphasize the importance of support for the vulnerable populations served. City Manager Erik Walsh reiterated the city’s commitment to comply with federal inquiries while advocating for the needs of those affected, stressing that this program is essential for aiding migrants in distress.