The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), part of Health and Human Services (HHS), has allocated over $22.6 billion for refugees and immigrants without papers. These funds support Medicaid access, credit-building, home and auto loans, and direct cash aid.
ORR’s Role in Refugee Resettlement
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) handles immigration policy, but ORR focuses on resettling refugees, especially unaccompanied children. ORR funds:
- Home and vehicle purchase aid.
- Business and personal loans.
- Legal aid and cultural orientation.
- Emergency housing support.
ORR’s Spending & Accountability Issues
According to National Review, ORR lost track of over 32,000 migrant children. Government watchdog Open the Books reports most ORR funds went to nonprofits under President Joe Biden.
Increased Spending & Expanded Eligibility
As ORR’s budget grew, so did eligibility criteria. The 2023 Congressional Budget Justification introduced new initiatives:
- Medicaid & foster care benefits for Special Immigrant Juvenile Minors.
- Legal aid for Ukrainian & Afghan children seeking permanent residency.
- Cash aid for refugees in college or technical training.
- No more economic self-sufficiency requirement.
ORR Grant Expenditures (FY 2020-2024)
- 2020: $2.68 billion
- 2021: $2.35 billion
- 2022: $3.38 billion
- 2023: $10.03 billion
- 2024: $4.20 billion
Leadership & Transparency Challenges
A 2023 New York Times report said 85,000 unaccompanied children disappeared after placement with sponsors. Former acting ICE Director Tom Homan estimated the number at 300,000. Officials are working to locate them.
Financial Ties to Nonprofits
Concerns grew over ORR’s financial ties to groups linked to former ORR Director Robin Dunn Marcos. She worked at International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Church World Service. ORR gave these organizations large grants:
- IRC: $598 million ($336M from 2023-2024).
- Church World Service: $355 million.
- In 2023, IRC received $13 million for home studies & post-release services.
Despite concerns, ACF stated that Dunn Marcos recused herself from IRC-related decisions for two years after her 2022 appointment.
Delays in Transparency & FOIA Requests
Watchdog Open the Books filed a FOIA request in May 2023 for Dunn Marcos and IRC communications. No response came. The ACF FOIA response time averages 1,065 days, compared to CDC’s 22-day median.
Leadership Changes in 2025
As of February 2025, Robin Dunn Marcos left ORR. Marcela Ruiz, former California Department of Social Services leader, now serves as Principal Deputy Director. Reports suggest Melissa Harper, a veteran ICE officer, may become the next ORR director.
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