San Diego Asylum Seekers Rely on ‘FAITH’ to Navigate Complex System

San Diego faced a major shift in 2025 when its main migrant shelters closed due to federal restrictions and funding cuts. Faith-based groups provide critical legal and humanitarian support. Most migrants leave quickly, but those staying face homelessness risks and long waits for asylum case decisions.

VisaVerge.com
Key takeaways

San Diego’s two main migrant shelters closed in March 2025 due to stricter federal asylum policies.
Federal cuts and policies reduced asylum seekers, shifting support to faith-based groups and legal aid.
Over 100,000 migrants were released in San Diego last year; most move on quickly despite homelessness risks.

As of August 2025, San Diego faces a new reality for asylum seekers. The city’s largest migrant shelters have closed, federal policies under the Trump administration have sharply reduced arrivals, and faith-based groups now lead efforts to help those still seeking safety and stability.

Shelter Closures and Changing Support

San Diego Asylum Seekers Rely on ‘FAITH’ to Navigate Complex System
San Diego Asylum Seekers Rely on ‘FAITH’ to Navigate Complex System

In March 2025, San Diego’s two main migrant shelters—Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Service—shut their doors. These organizations once served over 250,000 people in recent years, but now see only a handful of new arrivals each week. The closures are a direct result of new federal immigration rules that have made it much harder for asylum seekers to enter the United States 🇺🇸 through the San Diego border. Both agencies say the closures are not permanent and could reopen if the number of migrants increases again.

Despite the end of shelter operations, these groups have not stopped helping. Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Service have shifted their focus to providing free legal help, especially for the most vulnerable—unaccompanied minors and adults facing deportation. Jewish Family Service also continues to offer legal aid and education at 12 local colleges, support for DACA renewals, food assistance, and case management for immigrants and undocumented residents.

Federal Funding Cuts and Local Impact

The Trump administration’s policies have not only reduced the number of asylum seekers but also cut federal funding for migrant services. This has made it even harder for local organizations to provide shelter and direct aid. With less money and fewer arrivals, the support system in San Diego has changed dramatically.

Sharp Drop in Migrant Arrivals

San Diego was the busiest border sector in early 2024, with over 37,000 apprehensions in April alone—a nearly 50% jump from the year before. But by early 2025, arrivals dropped sharply due to the new federal rules. Over the past year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released more than 100,000 migrants into San Diego. However, more than 95% stayed only a few days before moving on to other parts of the United States 🇺🇸. Those unable to leave often face homelessness. Since September 2024, over 1,100 migrants have sought shelter at the city’s Homelessness Response Center.

Asylum Backlog and Long Waits

The backlog for asylum cases remains huge. As of December 31, 2024, there were 1,446,908 pending affirmative asylum applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and more than 3.7 million open removal cases in immigration courts across the country. People granted asylum in fiscal year 2024 waited an average of 1,283 days—over three years—for a decision. This long wait leaves many in limbo, unsure of their future.

Local Government Response

County Supervisor Nora Vargas explained that nearly $20 million in federal funds have been used to set up a “Migrant Transition Day Center.” This center provides food, clothing, and information to help asylum seekers reach their next destination. However, it is unclear how this will help those who remain in San Diego and cannot move on. Many of these migrants risk falling into homelessness.

Faith-Based and Community Support

With the main shelters closed, faith-based and community organizations have stepped in to fill the gap. Churches and religious groups now play a central role in providing humanitarian aid, legal guidance, and emotional support. While there is no new program officially called “FAITH,” the ongoing work of these groups is vital for migrants who have nowhere else to turn.

PATH San Diego is one organization that continues to offer supportive services and housing for homeless migrants. They report a growing crisis among those unable to leave the city, as shelter space is now limited to only the most vulnerable—pregnant women, families with children, seniors, people with medical needs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Others are released onto the streets, facing a high risk of homelessness.

Restrictive Federal Policies and Their Effects

The Trump administration’s renewed focus on border enforcement and large-scale deportations has reduced the number of new asylum seekers in San Diego. However, it has also increased fear and uncertainty among undocumented residents and those with pending cases. The new policies mean that only the most vulnerable can access limited shelter space, while others must fend for themselves.

⚠️ Important
Be cautious of the high risk of homelessness if you remain in San Diego without support. Many migrants face this challenge due to limited shelter options and federal policy changes.

Legal experts warn that while deportation efforts may increase, everyone still has the right to due process. However, the court backlog is likely to get worse under current policies, making it even harder for people to resolve their cases.

How the System Works Now

  • Migrant Transition Day Center: Offers short-term help, such as food, clothing, and travel information, to help migrants connect with sponsors or travel to other U.S. locations.
  • Legal Aid: Jewish Family Service and other nonprofits provide free legal consultations, help with asylum applications, and educational outreach at local colleges.
  • Homelessness Response Center: Acts as a central hub for connecting homeless migrants with available services, though space is limited.

Advocates and Officials Speak Out

Advocates criticize the lack of a long-term plan for migrants released onto the streets. They warn that without stronger support, many will end up homeless for years. Local officials say that more help from the federal and state governments is needed, along with creative partnerships with faith-based and community groups.

Legal experts point out that, despite increased deportation efforts, the right to a fair hearing remains. However, the huge backlog means that many will wait years for a decision, living in uncertainty the whole time.

San Diego’s History and Ongoing Challenges

San Diego has long been a major entry point for asylum seekers and refugees. The city has a strong network of service providers and a history of faith-based involvement in helping migrants. However, the high cost of living and limited affordable housing make it even harder for new arrivals and those trying to help them.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for San Diego?

  • Shelter Reopening: Agencies say they are ready to reopen shelters if the number of arrivals goes up or if new policies create more need.
  • Policy Uncertainty: The future of asylum and migrant support in San Diego will depend on changes in federal policy, court decisions, and political debates over immigration enforcement and humanitarian aid.
  • Community-Based Solutions: As government resources remain tight and official policies keep changing, faith-based and grassroots organizations are expected to play an even bigger role.

Practical Steps for Asylum Seekers

For those seeking help in San Diego, several organizations remain active:

Migrants and asylum seekers can contact these organizations directly or visit the Migrant Transition Day Center for short-term support. For more information about the asylum process, including how to apply and what forms are needed, visit the official USCIS Asylum page.

Summary and Takeaways

  • Major shelters in San Diego closed in early 2025 due to a policy-driven drop in arrivals.
  • Faith-based and community organizations are now critical for legal and humanitarian support.
  • Federal funding cuts and restrictive policies have increased pressure on local systems.
  • Most migrants released in San Diego move on quickly, but those who stay face a high risk of homelessness and long waits for legal decisions.
  • The situation remains fluid, with agencies ready to adapt as policies and migration patterns change.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the current landscape for asylum seekers in San Diego is shaped by rapid policy changes, reduced arrivals, and the growing importance of faith-based and community support. While the future remains uncertain, these organizations continue to provide hope and help for those in need, even as official resources shrink and the legal process stretches on.

For asylum seekers and those supporting them, staying informed and connected to local resources is more important than ever. The path forward may be difficult, but with the ongoing work of dedicated organizations and community members, there is still help available for those who need it most.

VisaVerge.com
Learn Today

Asylum Seeker → A person seeking protection in the U.S. due to persecution or fear in their home country.
USCIS → U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency processing asylum applications and immigration benefits.
Homelessness Response Center → A local San Diego center providing aid and shelter to homeless migrants with limited capacity.
Migrant Transition Day Center → Facility offering short-term help like food, clothing, and travel info to migrants in transit.
DACA → Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, a program protecting eligible undocumented immigrants from deportation.

This Article in a Nutshell

San Diego’s largest migrant shelters closed in 2025 amid federal policy changes. Faith-based groups now provide legal aid and humanitarian support amid fewer asylum seekers and funding cuts. Migrants face homelessness risks while waiting years for asylum decisions within a system strained by long backlogs and limited resources.
— By VisaVerge.com
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Jim Grey
Senior Editor
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Jim Grey serves as the Senior Editor at VisaVerge.com, where his expertise in editorial strategy and content management shines. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the immigration and travel sectors, Jim plays a pivotal role in refining and enhancing the website's content. His guidance ensures that each piece is informative, engaging, and aligns with the highest journalistic standards.
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