WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is moving to cancel $810 million in spending previously approved by Congress, targeting programs serving refugees, immigrants and other groups as part of a broader effort to reduce federal spending.

The White House announced the move Friday, saying President Donald Trump was using a rarely invoked mechanism known as a “pocket rescission” to eliminate funding the administration considers unnecessary or wasteful.

The largest proposed reduction is $567 million for Department of Health and Human Services programs serving refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and other noncitizens. Other cuts affect immigration-related programs as well as education, housing, minority-business and other initiatives.

The administration argues the immigration-related funding is no longer needed because illegal border crossings have fallen sharply.

The move has drawn criticism over whether the president can effectively cancel congressionally approved spending without lawmakers’ consent.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called the action a violation of Congress’ constitutional spending authority and said lawmakers received the $810 million rescission package without prior consultation.

The dispute centers on the administration’s use of a pocket rescission shortly before the federal fiscal year ends, leaving Congress little time to act before the funding expires. The Government Accountability Office has said such rescissions are not permitted under the Impoundment Control Act.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Trump Moves to Cancel $810 Million in Funding for Refugee, Immigrant Programs.