‘Frustrating’: Federal grants canceled for Oregon nonprofit that helps immigrants and refugees

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Hundreds of nonprofits across the country learned that their immigration and citizenship grants were being canceled, including a group that helps refugees and immigrants in Oregon.

In late March, the Department of Homeland Security notified nonprofits that their U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services grants were being terminated. KOIN 6 News got access to that email, saying, “DHS has determined that the scope of work performed under this award no longer effectuates the program goals and the Department’s priorities.”

In the case of Ecumenical Ministries Oregon, the grant was for $300,000 every two years. It went towards helping refugees and immigrants with green cards on their path to citizenship. Chris Eves, Director of Immigrant and Refugee Ministries, said this grant gave people access to resources they would not otherwise have.

“This is supporting multiple staff to be able to offer ESL classes, to coordinate education around civics and how to take the citizenship test and doing it in rural areas, and Woodburn and Hood River and Hillsboro,” he said.

Executive Director Frank So said losing a tool to help maintain people here legally is a surprise.

“It’s frustrating,” he said. “It’s somewhat unexpected, but it’s also just — it undermines the whole purpose of being or the process of, of making sure folks are legal here.”

In the immediate aftermath of the grant cancellation, So said their work will carry on.

“We’re going to continue to do these workshops, despite the fact that our grant’s been canceled,” he said. We just have to find more creative ways. And at some point, the funding that we have internally, our savings will dry up.”

So said that means looking for other organizations or partners who are able to help them in their work.

“Our organization, like many others that are working on immigration law, are looking for pro-bono lawyers,” he said. “So lawyers who are willing to give some of their time. And honestly, we’re also looking for any type of donation to our organization to keep our lawyers and our work alive.”

Until they find those other groups or partners, So said they will be dipping into their rainy day fund. However, without other help, they only have enough to last through September.

KOIN 6 News reached out to DHS officials for comment. At this time they have not responded.