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A consortium of seventy-four religious, legal, and support organizations across the United States has expressed concerns regarding the freezing of $88 million in public money earmarked for individuals escaping forced labor.

Services Under Threat

As stated in a unified message, the Justice Department has halted monetary aid for in excess of 100 service providers that aid survivors break free from exploiters and obtain essential services including housing, counseling, and case management.

"Letting this money to be cut would allow exploitation to flourish and threaten lives," the document warns. "Many regions will lack their sole assistance organization, stranding victims with nowhere to turn for shelter."

Appeal for Intervention

The alliance is urging legislators to compel the executive branch to restore the funding to support countless affected individuals across the country.

This plea comes after investigations that the federal government has reduced initiatives to fight forced labor, although representatives reject any withdrawal on victim support measures.

Effects on Local Areas

• Many service organizations lost their financial backing starting the end of last month.
• In the absence of these funds, survivors may be denied to lifesaving services such as safe shelter, mental health care, and legal aid.
• Traffickers could operate with impunity, endangering public safety.

Government Response

Regarding questions over the frozen funds, the DOJ indicated that money appropriated by Congress would be spent eventually, but noted that previous grantees wouldn’t necessarily receive funding in the next cycle.

Upcoming allocations will be made aligned with the leadership's priorities, the agency explained.

Historical Support

The document additionally points out that lawmakers has overwhelmingly voted to maintain these services over the previous decades, underscoring the critical importance of fully funding lifesaving programs to safeguard victims and prevent re-exploitation.