A fresh federal budget approved by President Biden is set to funnel millions into border security and support for migrants through non-profit organizations, yet specifics on the allocation and timing for Arizona groups remain murky. Pima County, the financial manager for these non-profits serving migrants in the Tucson Sector — currently the most active on the southern border — is in limbo, awaiting details of federal disbursements.
"This is a federal issue," Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher stated, expressing the region's reliance on federal aid to sustain migrant services. As reported by ABC15, without this funding, Pima County would not have the capability to finance these endeavors, leaving essential services for asylum seekers, such as shelter and food, at risk of disruption.
With current funding set to dry up by March 31, nonprofits like Casa Alitas brace for a potential meltdown in services. Diego Piña Lopez, the group’s executive director, told ABC15, "We’ve been providing shelter, food, clothing, medical attention." He warned that the gap between promised funding and actual receipt could lead to migrants being released on the streets, a situation echoed by concerns from U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego and U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, as they press for expedited federal action.
A similar alarm is raised over in southern Arizona, with leaders cautioning that the end of federal funds could see migrants released en masse into community streets come April, potentially wreaking havoc on local systems. "Everybody was out looking very hard to see how we can squeeze the nickels and roll the programs as far as they could be rolled," Lesher emphasized in a statement echoed by azcentral.com.
Dire predictions for Pima County predict the imminent depletion of resources to manage migrant welfare services following the conclusion of federal support. Tucson's Mayor Regina Romero aired frustration over the federal government's inaction, insisting that border and immigration enforcement should financially fall under their purview, not the localities', as reported by azcentral.com.
Mirroring actions in San Diego County, which shuttered its migrant shelter after depleting funds, agencies like Casa Alitas communicated to staff the harsh reality of forthcoming budgetary shortages. With half its workforce advised they won't be paid past the fiscal cutoff and a significant reduction in operational capacity looming, the dilemma casts a shadow over Arizona’s community cohesion and migrant support systems.
Arizona's Department of Military and Emergency Affairs has been stepping in to assist, transporting migrants from smaller communities lacking shelters or transit infrastructure to Tucson and Phoenix. Despite the looming crisis, certain legislators, such as Reps. Ruben Gallego, Raul Grijalva, and Greg Stanton, urge FEMA to quickly disburse the necessary funds to avoid service interruptions. Meanwhile, organizations like Casa Alitas hinge on the compassion of community donations and volunteerism to bridge the impending fund gap.
