San Diego needs $3 million more to handle influx of new immigrants
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors Considers $3 Million Boost for Immigrant Services
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors is currently deliberating on an additional $3 million in funding to support services for immigrants, as makeshift camps have emerged near the southern border due to the influx of asylum-seekers. In a proactive move, the board had previously authorized $3 million in emergency funding to assist local nonprofit organizations in providing shelter to immigrants. This initial funding was intended to sustain immigrant services for up to three months while San Diego leaders pursued long-term federal funding. Now, the board is set to vote on doubling the amount of American Rescue Plan funding.
Record Number of Immigrants Seek Assistance in San Diego County
Last week, a migrant center funded by San Diego County received a staggering 1,500 immigrants in a single day, marking the highest number thus far, according to CBS News 8. Since September 13, over 42,000 immigrants have been dropped off in San Diego, as well as the suburbs of El Cajon and Oceanside, by U.S. authorities, as confirmed by officials.
Debate Over Funding: Federal Responsibility or Local Obligation?
Supervisor Jim Desmond, who opposed the initial round of funding, remains against the proposed additional funding. He argues that taxpayers should not bear the burden of a problem that should be addressed by the federal government. Desmond expressed his stance on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “I’m against this for several reasons, primarily because immigration is a Federal issue, and San Diegans should not be footing the bill. We have seen nearly 50,000 migrants enter San Diego County since September 13 and there are no signs of this slowing down. Our immigration system is broken and San Diegans shouldn’t have to sacrifice local services because of this breakdown.”
However, Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors, Terra Lawson-Remer, countered Desmond’s argument. She clarified that the funds being utilized would not come from taxpayer money, but rather from the federal dollars allocated through the American Rescue Plan funding, signed by President Joe Biden in 2021. Lawson-Remer expressed her frustration with the lack of leadership in Washington, particularly in the House, and emphasized the importance of taking action at the local level. She stated, “It would be an abdication of our leadership as local elected officials to be waiting around for Washington to act. I am not waiting for Washington. I say we do the right thing here because it is the right thing to do.”
Read more: The Washington Examiner
Where do most refugees come from?
Welcome to UNHCR’s Refugee Population Statistics Database San Diego County has recently witnessed a record number of immigrants seeking assistance. The surge in asylum-seekers has resulted in the creation of makeshift camps near the southern border, posing significant challenges for both the immigrants themselves and the local community.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors took immediate action. They initially authorized $3 million in emergency funding to address the growing needs of immigrants seeking shelter and support. The funding was distributed among local nonprofit organizations, enabling them to provide vital services to the immigrant population.
However, it has become evident that additional support is necessary to ensure the effective provision of immigrant services in the region. As a result, the Board of Supervisors is currently considering a $3 million boost to fulfill this purpose.
The proposed increase in funding will help address the escalating demand for services such as housing, meals, healthcare, and legal assistance. By providing this much-needed financial aid, the board aims to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and meet the immediate needs of the immigrant population.
Moreover, the board’s decision to pursue federal funding demonstrates their commitment to finding long-term solutions to the ongoing influx of asylum-seekers. While the initial emergency funding was crucial in providing immediate relief, the board recognizes the importance of sustainable funding sources.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors believes that the $3 million boost in funding from the American Rescue Plan will not only help alleviate the strain on local resources but also enhance the overall well-being of the immigrant community. It will enable nonprofit organizations to strengthen their capacity and expand their services, ensuring that immigrants have access to the support they desperately need.
In addition to the financial support, the board remains committed to advocating for comprehensive immigration reform at the federal level, which will address the root causes of the increasing influx and provide a more permanent solution to the challenges faced by immigrants.
The proposed $3 million boost for immigrant services reflects the compassion and dedication of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in addressing the needs of the immigrant community. By taking proactive measures to support the most vulnerable, San Diego is setting an example for other communities grappling with similar challenges.
As the board prepares to vote on this crucial matter, it is hoped that all members will recognize the significance of this funding boost and the positive impact it will have on the lives of countless immigrants in San Diego County. With their support, the county can continue to be a beacon of compassion and inclusivity, providing vital assistance to those in need.
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