A community gathering discussing the effects of the RAICES layoffs.
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Sponsor Our ArticlesSan Antonio’s RAICES has announced layoffs affecting 61 employees, as funding cuts and federal policies take a toll on the organization dedicated to aiding migrants and refugees. These layoffs, effective February 28, 2025, result from a freeze on federal grant payments and changes in the political landscape. Although the move is disheartening, affected employees will receive severance packages and retain recall rights for potential future reemployment.
San Antonio is facing some tough news as the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services Inc., commonly known as RAICES, has announced a round of layoffs that will affect a total of sixty-one employees. The notices were disseminated last week, leaving many in the community concerned about the future of this critical organization.
The layoff notices were officially recorded in a filing with the Texas Workforce Commission. Dated February 12, 2025, the announcement informs employees at the San Antonio location that their last day of work will be on February 28, 2025. This move comes as a heavy blow to an organization deeply entwined with providing legal assistance to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers since its establishment in 1986.
According to reports from the organization, these layoffs stem from a series of funding cuts and ramifications related to federal policies that have severely impacted refugee resettlement programs. Officials within RAICES have pointed fingers at the current political climate, attributing these unfortunate job losses to what they describe as “callous” policy changes made during the Trump administration.
At the crux of this matter is a directive from the State Department which resulted in the temporary suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions program. This directive emerged as a response to an executive order signed by President Trump, effectively halting the hopeful journeys of many in dire need of resettlement. With such a significant cut to resources, RAICES has found it challenging to maintain its current level of operations.
Compounding these issues, the Office of Management and Budget also implemented a freeze on federal grant payments. When such crucial funds are frozen and eventually rescinded, organizations like RAICES must make difficult decisions to ensure their financial viability, even at the cost of laying off valued team members.
While the news of layoffs is disheartening, it is worth noting that the employees affected by this decision will receive full severance packages as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement for union positions. RAICES remains committed to providing support during this transition. Furthermore, employees have been granted recall rights for up to 4.5 years, meaning if the federal landscape changes and funding becomes available once again, there could be opportunities for rehiring.
The community is left wondering about the future of RAICES and the services they provide to vulnerable populations. This organization has been a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge and legal assistance. The impact of losing such a significant number of employees extends beyond just job loss—it affects the very fabric of the services that support migrants and refugees in the San Antonio area.
As we look forward, all eyes are on the federal government to see if there will be any changes to policies that currently hinder the refugee admissions process. Changes could possibly provide relief not just to RAICES but to countless organizations operating within this essential sector.
In summary, San Antonio is grappling with the effects of layoffs at RAICES, as funding cuts and federal directives reshape the landscape for refugee assistance. As the organization prepares to say goodbye to sixty-one employees, both the city and its residents await the impact of these changes while remaining hopeful for a better future for all those seeking refuge.
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