$59M Available for State Criminal Alien Assistance Program Through BJA

The Bureau of Justice Assistance has opened applications for the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP), offering up to $59 million to help states and local governments recover costs associated with incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens. This federal reimbursement program addresses a significant financial burden that many jurisdictions face.

What is SCAAP and Who Can Apply?

SCAAP provides federal payments to eligible states and units of local government that incurred costs for incarcerating undocumented criminal aliens during the reporting period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. The program recognizes that local and state governments often bear substantial costs when federal immigration enforcement intersects with their criminal justice systems.

Eligible applicants include state governments and local government units such as counties, cities, and other municipal entities that operate correctional facilities. Your jurisdiction must have incurred qualifying incarceration costs during the specified reporting period to be eligible for reimbursement.

Understanding Qualifying Costs

The program covers specific types of incarceration costs related to undocumented criminal aliens. These costs typically include daily housing expenses, medical care, food services, and other operational expenses directly tied to incarceration. However, applicants must carefully document that inmates meet the program's definition of "undocumented criminal aliens" and that the incarceration occurred during the qualifying time period.

Documentation requirements are strict. You'll need to provide detailed records showing the immigration status of inmates, their conviction information, and the actual costs incurred by your facility. The Bureau of Justice Assistance requires thorough verification of both the immigration status and the associated expenses.

Application Requirements and Process

Unlike many federal grants, SCAAP operates as a statutory reimbursement program rather than a competitive grant process. This means that eligible applicants who meet the requirements and submit proper documentation should receive funding based on their qualifying costs, subject to available appropriations.

Your application must include comprehensive data about each eligible inmate, including booking dates, conviction information, sentence length, and release dates. You'll also need to provide detailed cost calculations that break down expenses by category and time period.

The application process requires coordination between multiple departments within your organization. Corrections staff will need to compile inmate data, finance departments must calculate costs, and legal teams should verify compliance with federal requirements.

Key Dates and Deadlines

Applications are due by June 23, 2026, giving applicants substantial time to gather required documentation and prepare their submissions. However, don't wait until the last minute. The documentation requirements are extensive, and gathering accurate data from your correctional systems often takes longer than expected.

Start your preparation process now by identifying which inmates in your facility during the July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024 period might qualify under the program's criteria. Work with your IT and records management teams to extract the necessary data from your jail management systems.

Financial Impact and Benefits

With $59 million available nationwide, SCAAP represents significant potential reimbursement for qualifying jurisdictions. The actual amount each applicant receives depends on their eligible costs and the total number of qualifying applications received.

This funding can provide substantial relief for cash-strapped local governments and states dealing with the financial impact of federal immigration policy implementation. Many jurisdictions use SCAAP reimbursements to offset general fund expenses or reinvest in public safety programs.

Documentation Best Practices

Success in SCAAP applications depends heavily on thorough documentation. Maintain detailed records throughout the year, not just during application periods. Establish procedures to flag potentially eligible inmates when they enter your system, making data collection much easier when application time arrives.

Work closely with federal immigration authorities to verify immigration status when possible. Having official confirmation of an individual's immigration status strengthens your application significantly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Many applications face delays or rejections due to incomplete documentation or calculation errors. Double-check all inmate data for accuracy, including dates, conviction information, and cost calculations. Even small errors can result in significant delays or reduced reimbursements.

Another common issue involves misunderstanding the definition of qualifying inmates. Review the program guidelines carefully to ensure you're only including individuals who meet all the specified criteria.

Getting Started

Begin by reviewing your correctional facility's data systems and identifying inmates who were incarcerated during the qualifying period. Then, work with your finance team to develop accurate cost calculations for these individuals.

Consider reaching out to other jurisdictions that have successfully participated in SCAAP to learn from their experiences and avoid common mistakes.

Ready to apply for this $59 million opportunity? Create your free account on GovGrantsUSA today to access the full application materials, track deadlines, and get expert guidance throughout the SCAAP application process.