State-Level Support and Resources for Refugees in New Mexico 2025

Key Takeaways

• Refugees in New Mexico before January 20, 2025, remain eligible for limited state and local support services.
• New refugee arrivals after January 20, 2025, are excluded from federal and state programs due to Proclamation 10888.
• Local nonprofits and schools provide some assistance, but resources are limited amid the federal asylum suspension.

If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in New Mexico in 2025, the current landscape for support and resources has changed a lot due to recent federal actions. Understanding if you qualify for help, what services are available, and what steps you can take is more important than ever. This guide will walk you through the eligibility rules, requirements, and options for state-level support in New Mexico, especially in light of the Asylum and Refugee Resettlement Suspension under Proclamation 10888 and the halt of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.

Who Qualifies for State-Level Support in New Mexico?

The answer depends on your current status and when you arrived in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Refugees and Asylum Seekers Already in New Mexico Before January 20, 2025

YES, you may qualify for some state and local support.

• If you were already living in New Mexico as a refugee or asylum seeker before the federal suspension, you can still access certain services.
• These include legal help, medical assistance, and educational support for children.
• However, the range of services may be smaller than before, and some programs are limited by the lack of new federal funding.

2. New Arrivals After January 20, 2025

NO, you do not qualify for most state-level support tied to federal programs.

• Due to Proclamation 10888 and the Asylum and Refugee Resettlement Suspension, new asylum claims and refugee resettlement are paused.
• The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is not accepting new cases, and state programs that depend on federal money are not enrolling new arrivals.
• Only a few local nonprofit services may be available, and these are often limited by funding and capacity.

3. People Seeking Asylum at the Southern Border or Ports of Entry

NO, you cannot currently seek asylum or access resettlement services.

• Proclamation 10888 blocks all new asylum claims at the southern border, including at official ports of entry.
• There are no exceptions for children, victims of trafficking, or other vulnerable groups.
• Legal challenges are ongoing, but as of July 2025, the suspension remains in place.

Detailed Requirements and Examples

Refugee Social Services Program (New Mexico Human Services Department)

Eligibility:
– You must have arrived in the United States 🇺🇸 as a refugee before January 20, 2025, and be living in New Mexico.
– You need to have a valid immigration status as a refugee or asylee.
– The program is not open to new arrivals after the federal suspension.

What You Get:
– Case management to help you adjust to life in New Mexico.
– Help finding a job and learning English.
– Support with daily needs, like housing and transportation.

Example:
A family who arrived in Albuquerque in 2024 as refugees can still get help with job searches and English classes through this program. But a family who arrived after January 20, 2025, is not eligible.

Disqualifying Factors:
– Entering the United States 🇺🇸 after January 20, 2025.
– Not having official refugee or asylee status.
– Not living in New Mexico.

HEAL Fund (Healthy Entry for Asylee Lives)

Eligibility:
– You must be lawfully seeking asylum or have refugee status and be living in New Mexico.
– Services are provided through local nonprofits, not directly to individuals.
– Priority is given to the most vulnerable, such as children, families, and people with urgent legal or medical needs.

What You Get:
– Legal help with your asylum case.
– Language interpretation for court or medical visits.
– Medical care, transportation, and help with daily needs.

Example:
A single mother from Central America who arrived in 2023 and is waiting for her asylum hearing can get legal help and medical support through a nonprofit funded by the HEAL Fund.

Disqualifying Factors:
– Arriving after the federal suspension and not having a pending asylum case.
– Not being connected to a local nonprofit that has received HEAL Fund grants.

Refugee & Newcomer Supports Program (Albuquerque Public Schools)

Eligibility:
– Your child must be enrolled in Albuquerque Public Schools and have refugee or newcomer status.
– The family must be living in Albuquerque.

What You Get:
– Help with school enrollment and understanding the U.S. 🇺🇸 school system.
– English language support for students.
– Social support for families adjusting to a new country.

Example:
A Syrian family whose children attend La Mesa Elementary can get extra help learning English and adjusting to school routines.

Disqualifying Factors:
– Not living in Albuquerque or not enrolled in APS.
– Arriving after the federal suspension with no prior school records.

Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) Program

Eligibility:
– You must be a refugee or asylee who arrived before January 20, 2025, and not qualify for Medicaid.
– You must meet income and residency requirements set by New Mexico Medicaid.

What You Get:
– Health coverage for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions.
– Access to mental health and preventive care.

Example:
A Congolese refugee who arrived in 2022 and does not qualify for Medicaid can get medical coverage through RMA.

Disqualifying Factors:
– Arriving after the federal suspension.
– Qualifying for Medicaid instead.
– Not meeting income or residency rules.

Disqualifying Factors Across All Programs

• Arrival after January 20, 2025: Most state and federally funded programs are closed to new arrivals due to the Asylum and Refugee Resettlement Suspension.
• No official refugee or asylee status: You must have proof of your status.
• Not living in New Mexico: These programs are only for people living in the state.
• No connection to a nonprofit or school program: Some services require you to be linked with a specific organization.

Alternative Options If You Are Not Eligible

If you do not qualify for state-level support, there are still a few things you can try:

• Local Nonprofits: Some organizations, like the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center and Santa Fe Dreamers Project, may offer limited legal or emergency help, even if you are not eligible for state programs. Their resources are stretched, but it’s worth reaching out.
• Community Support: Faith groups, food banks, and local charities sometimes help newcomers with basic needs.
• Stay Informed: Legal challenges to Proclamation 10888 and the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program are ongoing. If the courts overturn the suspension, eligibility rules may change. Check updates from the New Mexico Attorney General’s office and trusted nonprofits.
• Advocacy: You can join advocacy efforts or community groups working to restore asylum and refugee resettlement. This can help you stay connected and informed.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Support

• Keep All Documents: Hold on to any papers that show your entry date, status, and connection to New Mexico. This will help prove your eligibility if programs reopen.
• Register with Local Nonprofits: Even if you are not eligible now, being on a nonprofit’s list can help you get information quickly if things change.
• Stay in Touch with Schools: If you have children, let their school know about your situation. School programs may be able to help, even if other services are closed.
• Check for Updates: Visit official websites, such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement, for the latest information on federal and state programs.

Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Support

1. Check Your Status and Arrival Date
   • Confirm if you arrived before January 20, 2025, and have official refugee or asylee status.
2. Contact the Right Program
   • For legal and social services: Reach out to the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center or Santa Fe Dreamers Project.
   • For medical help: Apply for Refugee Medical Assistance through the New Mexico Human Services Department.
   • For school support: Contact the Refugee & Newcomer Supports Program at Albuquerque Public Schools.
3. Gather Required Documents
   • Proof of status, arrival date, and New Mexico residency.
4. Apply or Register
   • Follow the application steps provided by each program or nonprofit.
5. Follow Up
   • Stay in touch with the organization to check your application status and get updates.

Recent Policy Changes and Their Impact

• Proclamation 10888: Issued by President Trump, this order indefinitely suspends the right to seek asylum at the southern border, with no exceptions for children or victims of trafficking.
• U.S. Refugee Admissions Program Suspension: The program is paused, and no new refugees are being resettled in the United States 🇺🇸.
• Legal Challenges: New Mexico’s Attorney General is fighting the suspension in court, but as of July 2025, the pause remains.
• Local Response: Nonprofits and schools are stepping up, but resources are limited.

Key Stakeholders

• New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez: Leading legal efforts to restore refugee resettlement.
• New Mexico Foundation: Runs the HEAL Fund, supporting nonprofits that help asylum seekers and refugees.
• New Mexico Human Services Department: Administers social and medical programs for eligible refugees.
• Albuquerque Public Schools: Offers educational and social support for refugee and newcomer students.

Quantitative Data

• HEAL Fund: $1.36 million in grants since 2021; $45,000 each to the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center and Santa Fe Dreamers Project in 2025.
• Federal Resettlement: No new refugee arrivals in New Mexico since January 20, 2025.

What to Expect in the Future

• Legal Outcomes: If courts overturn the suspension, programs may reopen to new arrivals.
• State and Local Advocacy: New Mexico will likely keep pushing for federal support and may expand local help if possible.
• Community Support: Nonprofits and schools will remain key sources of help for those already in the state.

Official Resources

• Office of Refugee Resettlement – For federal updates and program details.
• New Mexico Foundation – HEAL Fund: newmexicofoundation.org/we-build-and-fund/grants/heal-fund/
• New Mexico Human Services Department – Refugee Social Services Program: thegrantplantnm.com/opportunity/refugee-resettlement-social-services-program/
• Albuquerque Public Schools – Refugee & Newcomer Supports Program: aps.edu/language-and-cultural-equity/refugee-newcomer-supports-program
• New Mexico Attorney General’s Office: nmdoj.gov

Summary Table: State-Level Resources for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in New Mexico (July 2025)

Key Takeaways

• If you arrived in New Mexico before January 20, 2025, you may still qualify for some state and local support.
• If you arrived after that date, most official programs are closed to you due to the Asylum and Refugee Resettlement Suspension under Proclamation 10888.
• Local nonprofits and schools are the main sources of help right now, but resources are limited.
• Stay informed, keep your documents, and connect with trusted organizations for updates.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the situation for refugees and asylum seekers in New Mexico is challenging but not hopeless. Legal battles and advocacy efforts continue, and community organizations are doing their best to fill the gaps left by federal suspensions. If you are affected, use the steps and resources above to get the help you need and be ready for changes as the legal and policy landscape evolves.

Learn Today

Asylum Seeker → A person requesting protection in the U.S. due to persecution or fear of harm in their home country.
Proclamation 10888 → A federal order suspending new asylum claims and refugee admissions at the southern U.S. border indefinitely.
Refugee Medical Assistance → State-provided healthcare coverage for eligible refugees who do not qualify for Medicaid.
HEAL Fund → A New Mexico Foundation grant program supporting nonprofits aiding vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees.
U.S. Refugee Admissions Program → Federal program managing the admission and resettlement of refugees in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

New Mexico’s refugee support faces federal suspension challenges. Those arriving before 2025 retain limited access. Nonprofits and schools provide essential aid amid funding cuts. Legal efforts aim to restore programs. Staying informed and connected with local groups is crucial for affected refugees and asylum seekers in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com