Salazar, Gimenez Urge ORR to Reconsider Funding for Catholic Charities’ Unaccompanied Children Program

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Last week, U.S. Representatives María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Carlos A. Gimenez (FL-28) sent a letterto the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) urging the agency to reconsider its decision to terminate funding for Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami's Residential Services for Unaccompanied Children.

In their joint letter, the members warn that defunding one of the nation's most experienced and trusted programs, especially one located at the frontline of migration, is a "strategic mistake" that weakens South Florida's ability to respond to future regional crises.

"South Florida has always been the first to respond when crisis hits our hemisphere," said Rep. Salazar. "From Operation Pedro Pan to past surges of unaccompanied minors at our border, Catholic Charities's Children's Village has been a pillar of compassion and expertise. Preserving this capacity is essential so we are prepared to respond effectively if the next crisis arises." 

"South Florida is on the frontlines of humanitarian migration in our hemisphere, and now is not the time to weaken the very programs that have protected vulnerable children for decades," said Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez."With crises intensifying in Cuba and Haiti, we know what comes next-an increase in unaccompanied minors seeking safety in our community. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Miami has the experience, infrastructure, and compassion to respond effectively. Cutting the Residential Services for Unaccompanied Children program is a strategic mistake that will cost more, delay response times, and put children at greater risk."

Theletter points to escalating conditions across the region. Cuba is facing one of its most severe crisis in decades, marked by widespread blackouts, food shortages, economic collapse and growing unrest. Haiti continues to deteriorate, withescalating gang violence and a total breakdown of authority and a worsening humanitarian situation.

Together, these conditions increase the likelihood of near-term influx into South Florida.

Salazar and Gimenez emphasize that maintaining Catholic Charities' essential, hard-to-replace services, including on-site K-12 education, medical care, and legal assistance, is a matter of both humanitarian duty and fiscal responsibility. Losing this infrastructure will make future response efforts "more costly, slower, and less effective."

Background:

Catholic Charities' Children's Village/Boys Town is one of the longest-operating and most respected programs for unaccompanied minors in the United States. Rooted in the historic legacy of Operation Pedro Pan, which brought over 14,000 Cuban children to the U.S. between 1960 and 1962, it has served for decades as the primary humanitarian infrastructure for South Florida.

This reduction in capacity comes at a critical time. With local administrative and humanitarian resources already under significant pressure, defunding established programs risks a total breakdown in South Florida's ability to respond to sudden migration surges.

Rep. Salazar represents Florida's 27th Congressional District, home to the largest Cuban diaspora in the United States and a deeply rooted Haitian community.

She remains committed to protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the infrastructure needed to respond to crises across our hemisphere.