WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), announced $300 million in direct funding through the Shelter and Services Program (SSP), which was authorized by Congress to support communities that are providing services to asylum seekers. Arizona will receive $54.5 million in SSP funding in DHS’ first tranche of allocations.

Rep. Grijalva and Stanton sent a letter on March 22, 2024 urging for the immediate allocation of funding and requested that border communities on the front lines of the crisis are prioritized.

“I appreciate the Biden administration’s swiftness to allocate this federal funding to Arizona. I will continue to work with federal, state, local, and non-governmental organizations to ensure this funding is distributed expeditiously. As Southern Arizona communities continue to deal with the humanitarian crisis, it’s critical we provide them with the resources and funding they need,” said Rep. Grijalva. “It’s clear that the only path forward to address these issues long-term is real immigration reform to fix our broken system beginning with humane solutions, increased legal pathways, dealing with root causes, and providing more resources and personnel at the border instead of Republicans’ detrimental funding cuts and failed enforcement-only policies.”

“This funding couldn’t come soon enough. I’ve visited local aid groups along the border, and they’re near a breaking point—over-stretching their budgets to help care for migrant families and prevent street releases,” said Rep. Stanton. “I’ll keep working to make sure Arizona communities get their fair share of federal resources to manage this crisis.”

The full funding amounts for Arizona can be found here.

Additionally, the Department is announcing $340.9 million through the Shelter and Services Program-Competitive grant program to be allocated before the end of this Fiscal Year as well as $25 million to accommodate evolving operational needs.

 The recent government funding package passed in March 2024, provided $650 million for the SSP to reimburse local governments and non-profits for the care for migrants after their release into the U.S. – a decrease from $800 million last fiscal year. Previous GOP proposals would have eliminated the SSP funding entirely.