3 weeks Ago By Patricia Ortiz
President Donald Trump’s administration has released funding for Harris County Public Health’s Refugee Screening program after a federal court ruling. Harris County Public Health provides health screenings, immunizations and connections to primary care services for approximately 11,000 refugees and other admitted immigrants with documented legal status, according to a lawsuit filed last week . The organization has been experiencing staff layoffs and other financial challenges because appropriations from the federal Office for Refugee Resettlement were halted by the Trump administration.
"These health screenings, they don't just protect these refugees, they protect our entire communities,” Acting Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said. “Because if you have a disease, a virus, and there are parts of the community that aren't screened for it, then all of us are potentially put at risk.” The court ruling will restore $10.
5 million in grant funds that had been frozen since January. Menefee said the administration was also asked to provide a clear timeline for disbursing the funds. “They had no excuse at all, and the moment they had to go before [the] court of law and provide an excuse, it was very clear that they had none,” Menefee said.
“This was federal overreach at its worst, but the county attorney’s office pushed back, and we beat it.” The U.S.
Department of Justice, which represented the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary of Health Robert F.
Kennedy Jr. in the lawsuit, did not immediately reply to a request for comment. Refugee programs across the Houston region have been affected by a funding freeze implemented by the Trump administration in January.
Catholic Charities in Houston has already laid off 120 employees, mostly from its refugee program, and the Alief Family YMCA is expected to close by the end of May because it lost funding for its New American Initiative , which helps refugees and other vulnerable populations in the Houston region. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones, who represents areas of Houston like Sharpstown, Gulfton, and Alief, said this lawsuit was a “big win” for the community. “This is a big win for .
.. the rule of law, and the diverse communities I’m honored to serve,” she said in a news release.
“For over 40 years, the Refugee Medical Screening Clinic has provided vital health services to legal immigrants, and the work of the Clinic helps make our entire community safer and healthier. I’m proud that we stood up, took action, and got results. Harris County will continue to be a place that welcomes families seeking safety and opportunity.
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