Since returning to office in January 2025, President Donald Trump has issued a wave of executive orders aimed at reshaping federal policy. One of the most controversial, reported by Hy-Lo News in May, sought to shut down key functions of the Department of Education and strip federal funding from institutions that refuse to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
A recent report from the National Council of Nonprofits notes that while some of these orders have already taken effect, others face delays or legal challenges.
For Black Miamians, these executive orders have major consequences. They determine whether after-school programs can remain open, whether local nonprofits can continue offering legal aid, and whether neighborhood museums can keep hosting Black history exhibits.
The changes go beyond programming. Several executive orders instruct federal agencies to “freeze, delay, or cancel grants.” Across Florida, this has already disrupted essential services like food distribution, workforce training, housing assistance, and mental health care.
The impact is especially harsh for organizations serving Haitian, Jamaican, Dominican, and other Afro-Caribbean or African immigrant communities. Earlier this year, President Trump issued an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States — a move widely criticized by immigrant advocacy groups. His administration has also reduced the staffing and function of the Office of English Language Acquisition, part of the Department of Education.
Florida lawmakers are pushing back — among them, U.S. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
“I represent an immigrant-rich community. In South Florida — and across the nation — many of our children in schools are English learners simply trying to build their futures,” said Wilson, a former principal and Miami-Dade School Board member, in a statement last Monday. “Ripping away resources and guidance for English learners is a cruel and foolish decision.”
Additional executive orders seek to defund nonprofits that support undocumented individuals or that fail to meet stricter federal eligibility checks.
As a result, many nonprofit leaders say they are operating from a place of uncertainty.
“Partnering with federal government agencies or receiving federal funding — especially through grants and contracts — may result in longer delays, difficulty reaching agency contacts, and increased strain on long-standing relationships,” warns the National Council of Nonprofits.
As federal priorities continue to shift, the communities with the most at stake are being urged to remain informed and proactive. Hy Lo News will continue to share nonprofit resources and provide updates on how these executive orders affect Black South Floridians.
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