Funding For Migrant Support Threatened As U.S. Border Policies Shift

Border patrol agents near vehicles on embankment daytime

The United Nations and NGOs have ramped up their efforts to procure funding for migrant support at the U.S. southern border as policy changes under a potential second Trump administration threaten significant shifts.

At a Glance

UN seeks $1.4 billion in 2025 and $1.2 billion in 2026 for migrant support.
Funding is aimed at supporting vital services despite potential policy impacts.
Policy changes under a potential Trump administration could diminish migration.
Republican lawmakers propose curbing financial outlays for such initiatives.

Funding Proposals to Aid Migrants

The United Nations has proposed a “Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan” allocating $1.4 billion in 2025 and $1.2 billion in 2026 to support migrants heading towards the U.S. southern border. This funding is intended for services like shelter and cash relief for those in transit despite expected migration decrease. Key challenges include navigating opposition from Republican lawmakers who suggest scaling back taxpayer contributions to such programs.

Migrant support organizations emphasize the need for consistent funding, especially as policies anticipated under a Trump administration might hinder immigration. Concerns are particularly pronounced given planned legal and policy adjustments, such as increased deportations and fortified border security.

Anticipated Policy Shifts Under Trump

Donald Trump has revealed extensive immigration reforms aimed at heightened border security, including mass deportations and the ending of birthright citizenship. These measures are expected to significantly impact net immigration, with scenarios predicting both positive and negative migratory flows. In the “low” immigration scenario, net outmigration could reach -650,000 in 2025. Conversely, the “high” scenario allows for 1.3 million immigrants, yielding economic benefits.

Efforts are underway to ensure that both the legal framework and infrastructure can adapt to these potential policies. The reliance on technology and private firms for border security is poised to expand, with implications for human rights and accountability in enforcement practices.

Inside an NGO in Eagle Pass in January of 2022—Migrants who were just processed and released by Border Patrol pray alongside a pastor. The volunteer who gave me the tour said they did this nightly as it was important to those passing through 🙏🏼

Several NGOs have been around for… pic.twitter.com/hCzocwkfVk

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) October 11, 2024

Economic and Political Considerations

The economic implications of immigration policy are profound. Anticipated changes under Trump could lower GDP growth by 0.1 to 0.4 percentage points in 2025, equating to a decrease of $30 to $110 billion. Legal migration scenarios further illuminate the complex dynamics between policy, labor force growth, and migration patterns. In parallel, public-private dynamics, including rising private-sector influence, highlight key areas of concern for transparency and governance in migration management.

“Under the Biden administration, U.S. dollars are being funneled through the United Nation’s IOM into programs that facilitate and encourage illegal migration into our own country,” said Texas Rep. Lance Gooden.

As debates continue, the issue remains deeply intertwined with broader conversations about economic sustainability and national security. This emphasizes the necessity of strategic policy development, informed by comprehensive data and an understanding of both human and economic dimensions.