Key Takeaways
• Texas withdrew from the federal refugee program in 2016 and stopped receiving federal refugee funds in January 2025.
• RAICES offers legal, social services, and employment support but faces funding cuts after the 2025 federal program pause.
• The federal Welcome Corps program expands private refugee sponsorship in Texas amid limited state refugee support.
Support and Resources for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Texas (2025): A Comprehensive Reference Guide
Introduction and Purpose
This reference guide provides a detailed overview of the support and resources available to refugees and asylum seekers in Texas as of July 2025. The landscape for refugee assistance in Texas is shaped by federal and state policy changes, nonprofit involvement, and ongoing funding challenges. This guide is organized by key categories and timelines, offering clear descriptions, usage guidance, and cross-references to help refugees, sponsors, and service providers understand the current situation and available options.
Federal and State Policy Context in Texas (2025)
Texas has a unique position in the national refugee resettlement system. In 2016, Texas withdrew from the federal refugee resettlement program. Since then, the Texas Office for Refugees, operated by Catholic Charities Fort Worth, has managed refugee resettlement duties in the state. This arrangement means Texas does not directly participate in the federal program but relies on nonprofit partners to deliver services.
A major policy change came in late 2024, when the Trump administration shifted the distribution of refugee support services grants from nonprofits directly to states. This change, effective October 1, 2024, put Texas at risk of losing tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for refugee support unless the state re-engaged with the federal program or found another way to secure these funds.
As of January 2025, Texas is the only state not receiving federal funds for refugee support services. This has caused severe disruptions in services such as employment assistance, legal aid, education, and healthcare for refugees. Many nonprofits have had to lay off staff or reduce their services.
A lawsuit filed by nonprofits in early 2025 seeks $36 million owed by the federal government to help refugees in Texas, highlighting the ongoing funding disputes and uncertainty.
In January 2025, a Trump administration executive order paused the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) indefinitely, halting new refugee arrivals. The last group of refugees arrived in Texas in January 2025, and resettlement services are now winding down for these families.
Key State-Level and Nonprofit Resources in Texas
Despite these challenges, several organizations continue to provide critical support to refugees and asylum seekers in Texas. The main resources include:
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services):
– Offers comprehensive legal and social services to refugees and asylum seekers across Texas.
– Services include:
– Legal representation for administrative and court cases, including asylum applications.
– Bond payments for detained immigrants.
– Social services and case management tailored to cultural and language needs.
– Cash and medical assistance for those not eligible for Medicaid.
– Employment support through the Matching Grant program, which helps refugees become self-sufficient within 240 days of arrival.
– Reception and Placement services (these have been halted for new arrivals since January 24, 2025, due to the federal program pause).
– RAICES serves many counties in Texas and is known for its gender-inclusive and culturally sensitive approach.
Texas Office for Refugees (Catholic Charities Fort Worth):
– Manages refugee resettlement duties in Texas.
– Due to federal funding uncertainties, their capacity to serve refugees has been strained.
– The office is accessed through Catholic Charities Fort Worth, which has historically played a central role in Texas refugee support.
Other Nonprofits and Faith-Based Organizations:
– Many organizations that previously supported refugee resettlement in Texas now face funding cuts and operational challenges.
– These groups continue to provide limited support, focusing on the most urgent needs.
Practical Implications for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Texas
The current situation has several practical effects on refugees and asylum seekers in Texas:
- Refugees who arrived before the January 2025 pause are receiving wrap-up support to help them transition to self-sufficiency. However, new arrivals are not being accepted.
- Access to essential services such as food, housing, medical care, and employment assistance is more difficult due to funding gaps.
- Legal services remain in high demand, with organizations like RAICES providing critical asylum and immigration legal aid. However, the need for these services is greater than the available resources.
- Because Texas has not re-engaged with the federal resettlement program, refugees rely heavily on nonprofits and private sponsorship programs, such as the Welcome Corps, for support.
Recent Developments and Federal Initiatives Impacting Texas
Several federal initiatives and recent developments are shaping the refugee support landscape in Texas:
Welcome Corps Program:
– The Welcome Corps program, launched in 2023, continues to expand in fiscal year 2025.
– It aims to resettle at least 10,000 refugees nationwide through private sponsorship, including in Texas.
– The program allows Americans to sponsor refugees directly and matches refugees with U.S. employers in critical job sectors.
– This initiative is especially important in Texas, where state-level support is limited.
Rebuilding Resettlement Capacity:
– The Department of State and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are working to rebuild domestic resettlement capacity after previous cuts.
– There are now 355 local resettlement sites nationwide, but Texas’s participation remains limited due to state policy choices.
Diverse Refugee Populations:
– Refugees in Texas come from many countries, including Afghanistan, Burma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cuba, Venezuela, and Ukraine.
– This diversity reflects ongoing global crises and the humanitarian needs that drive resettlement.
Expert Perspectives and Stakeholder Positions
Advocates and stakeholders have voiced strong opinions about the current situation:
- Refugee advocates stress the urgent need for restored federal funding and state cooperation to prevent the collapse of refugee support services in Texas.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has not publicly committed to rejoining the federal refugee resettlement program, maintaining the state’s stance since 2016.
- Nonprofit organizations warn that without state action, tens of thousands of refugees in Texas will face worsening conditions and lack access to essential services.
Step-by-Step Process for Refugees Seeking Support in Texas (2025)
For refugees and asylum seekers in Texas, the process of seeking support in 2025 involves several steps:
- Arrival and Initial Reception:
- Refugees who arrived before the January 2025 pause received Reception and Placement services from nonprofits like RAICES. These services are now halted for new arrivals.
- Legal Assistance:
- Refugees and asylum seekers can contact RAICES for legal consultations and representation.
- Appointments can be scheduled by phone at (210) 226-7722.
- Employment and Self-Sufficiency:
- Refugees may access employment support through Matching Grant programs, which help them find jobs and become self-sufficient within 240 days.
- Cash and Medical Assistance:
- Refugees who are not eligible for Medicaid can receive financial aid for basic needs through nonprofit programs.
- Community Integration:
- Refugees are connected with local faith communities, schools, and social services to help them integrate into their new communities.
- Private Sponsorship:
- Refugees may be supported through the Welcome Corps program by private sponsors in Texas.
Contact Information and Resources
Here are the main contacts and resources for refugees and asylum seekers in Texas:
- RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services)
- Phone: (210) 226-7722
- Website: raicestexas.org
- Services: Legal aid, social services, refugee client services
- Texas Office for Refugees (Catholic Charities Fort Worth)
- Accessed via Catholic Charities Fort Worth
- Website: Catholic Charities Fort Worth
- Welcome Corps (Federal Program)
- Information available through the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration
- Official government information: U.S. Department of State – Refugee Admissions
Background and Historical Context
Texas has a long history as a major refugee resettlement state. However, in 2016, Texas withdrew from the federal resettlement program, shifting responsibility to nonprofits. Since then, the Texas Office for Refugees, run by Catholic Charities Fort Worth, has managed resettlement duties.
Federal immigration policies and funding changes since 2017 have made it harder for refugees to get support in Texas. The Biden administration tried to rebuild refugee admissions and resettlement capacity, but the 2025 pause on refugee arrivals has stopped much of this progress.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
The future of refugee support in Texas remains uncertain:
- The refugee resettlement program is in limbo both nationally and in Texas due to the indefinite pause and ongoing funding disputes.
- The federal government is working to expand private sponsorship through the Welcome Corps, which may help fill some gaps left by state-level funding cuts.
- The decision by Texas leaders on whether to rejoin the federal resettlement program or negotiate new funding arrangements will be critical to restoring full refugee services.
- Advocacy groups continue to push for restored funding and state cooperation to prevent further deterioration of refugee support.
Usage Guidance for Refugees, Sponsors, and Service Providers
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Texas, or if you are helping someone in this situation, here are some practical steps and tips:
- Contact RAICES for Legal Help:
Legal assistance is often the most urgent need. Call RAICES at (210) 226-7722 to schedule a consultation. Be prepared to provide basic information about your case and any documents you have. -
Seek Employment Support:
If you are eligible, ask about the Matching Grant program, which can help you find a job and become self-sufficient. This program is time-limited, so apply as soon as possible after arrival. -
Apply for Cash and Medical Assistance:
If you are not eligible for Medicaid, ask about nonprofit programs that provide financial aid for basic needs like food, rent, and medical care. -
Connect with Community Groups:
Local faith communities, schools, and social service agencies can help you adjust to life in Texas. Ask your case manager or legal representative for referrals. -
Consider Private Sponsorship:
If you have family or friends in the United States 🇺🇸, they may be able to sponsor you through the Welcome Corps program. Learn more at the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Admissions page. -
Stay Informed About Policy Changes:
The situation for refugees in Texas is changing quickly. Check official sources and trusted nonprofits for updates.
Cross-References and Additional Resources
- For information about the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), visit the U.S. Department of State’s official page.
- For updates on Texas Office for Refugees and Catholic Charities Fort Worth, visit Catholic Charities Fort Worth.
- For legal and social services, visit RAICES Texas.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the current funding and policy environment in Texas has made nonprofit organizations like RAICES and Catholic Charities Fort Worth even more important for refugees and asylum seekers. These groups are now the main source of support, especially as state and federal funding remains uncertain.
Conclusion and Actionable Takeaways
Refugees and asylum seekers in Texas face a challenging environment in 2025. State-level support is limited due to policy choices and federal funding changes. Nonprofits like RAICES and Catholic Charities Fort Worth, along with private sponsorship programs such as the Welcome Corps, provide the main sources of help.
If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in Texas:
– Contact RAICES for legal and social services.
– Ask about employment and financial assistance programs.
– Connect with local community groups for support.
– Stay informed about policy changes and new programs.
– Consider private sponsorship options if you have family or friends in the United States 🇺🇸.
Service providers and sponsors should:
– Refer clients to RAICES and Catholic Charities Fort Worth for specialized help.
– Monitor official government updates for changes in refugee policy and funding.
– Advocate for restored funding and state cooperation to improve support for refugees.
For the most up-to-date information and official guidance, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Refugee Admissions page.
This guide will be updated as new developments occur. For specific questions or additional support, reach out to the organizations listed above.
Learn Today
Refugee Resettlement Program → Federal system for supporting refugees with housing, services, and integration upon U.S. arrival.
RAICES → A Texas nonprofit providing legal aid, social services, and employment support to refugees and asylum seekers.
Matching Grant Program → Employment assistance aiding refugees to achieve self-sufficiency within 240 days of arrival.
Welcome Corps → Federal program launched in 2023 to enable private U.S. citizens to sponsor refugees directly.
USRAP → U.S. Refugee Admissions Program paused in 2025, halting new refugee arrivals nationwide.
This Article in a Nutshell
Texas refugee support faces crisis after 2016 withdrawal and 2025 funding loss. Nonprofits like RAICES provide critical legal and social services while federal private sponsorship programs expand to fill gaps.
— By VisaVerge.com
