The landscape of social work is shifting in 2025 and not in ways that make the profession easier. The new administration has rolled back policies that directly impact marginalized communities—especially Black communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants and low-income families. From rescinding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs to restricting gender-affirming care and dismantling protections for migrants, these changes create new challenges for social workers who serve those most affected.
However, recent court rulings have blocked some of these policy changes, at least temporarily. This means that while harmful policies have been introduced, they are not set in stone and the fight for justice continues.
Below, we’ll examine the most significant policy rollbacks affecting social work, what they mean for practitioners and—most importantly—what social workers can do to keep pushing forward despite the shifting political climate.
Key Policy Rollbacks Impacting Social Work in 2025
1. Restrictions on Transgender Rights and Gender-Affirming Care
What Changed:
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The administration ended federal funding for gender-affirming care for individuals under 19, leading many hospitals and clinics to halt services.
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An executive order attempted to transfer transgender women to men’s prisons and eliminate their gender-affirming medical treatments.
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An executive order redefined gender strictly by biological sex, eliminating the option for "X" gender markers on passports and halting the processing of applications to change gender markers.
- Federal agencies were instructed to remove transgender references from official resources and policies.
Legal Response:
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Blocked: A federal judge halted the transfer of transgender women to men’s prisons, citing constitutional concerns about cruel and unusual punishment.
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Not Blocked: The cuts to federal funding for gender-affirming care are still in effect.
- Lawsuits Filed: ACLU and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging the passport gender marker rollback, arguing it violates constitutional rights and federal procedural laws.
What This Means for Social Workers:
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Mental health professionals must adapt – While prison transfers have been blocked, healthcare access is still restricted, meaning social workers must find alternative ways to connect clients with affirming care and legal support.
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Community-based services are more critical than ever – Social workers in schools, shelters and community centers should help transgender youth find safe support networks.
- Legal documentation challenges may increase – Clients who previously changed markers on passports may need assistance navigating legal challenges if documentation conflicts arise.
How to Keep Fighting:
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Advocate for state-level protections – Several states have policies protecting transgender healthcare and identity documentation—support clients in finding care and resources where protections remain.
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Work with advocacy organizations – Groups like the ACLU, Lambda Legal and Transgender Law Center are fighting these rollbacks and need social workers to help document their impact.
- Support clients in accessing alternative identification solutions – State-issued IDs and legal name change services may offer workarounds for some documentation barriers.
2. U.S. Withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO)
What Changed:
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The administration officially withdrew from the WHO, cutting ties with the global health organization and stopping U.S. funding.
What This Means for Social Workers:
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Loss of critical public health resources – The WHO helps guide policies on disease prevention, vaccine distribution and maternal health, especially in low-income Black communities and immigrant communities that rely on public health outreach.
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Increase in misinformation – Without WHO backing, communities may struggle to get accurate public health information.
How to Keep Fighting:
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Provide evidence-based public health guidance – Social workers should direct clients to reputable health sources like the CDC, independent medical boards and trusted non-profits.
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Partner with community health organizations – Strengthen local networks that are working to fill the gaps left by WHO-backed programs.
3. Migrant Detention Expansion and Birthright Citizenship Rollbacks
What Changed:
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The administration attempted to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
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A large migrant detention facility is being built at Guantánamo Bay.
Legal Response:
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Blocked: The birthright citizenship order was ruled unconstitutional by federal judges, keeping the existing policy in place.
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Not Blocked: The expansion of migrant detention facilities is moving forward.
What This Means for Social Workers:
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Deportation fears remain high – Even though birthright citizenship remains protected, many immigrant families don’t realize this and may fear deportation.
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More children in detention – Social workers near border regions and urban areas may see an increase in detained or displaced migrant youth.
How to Keep Fighting:
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Educate families on their rights – Many undocumented immigrants still don’t know that birthright citizenship remains in place—social workers can help spread this information.
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Advocate against indefinite detention – Work with legal groups that are fighting for better conditions and reduced detention time for migrants.
4. Rescinding DEI Programs and Defunding Schools Teaching CRT
What Changed:
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The administration eliminated all federal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in government agencies, the military and federally funded institutions. An executive order further required agencies to audit, report and eliminate any remaining DEI-related positions, training and initiatives to ensure complete defunding and removal.
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Schools that teach Critical Race Theory (CRT) lost federal funding, affecting public universities and K-12 institutions that incorporate racial justice education into their curriculum.
Legal Response:
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Lawsuit Filed: A federal lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for Maryland challenging the executive orders that rescind DEI programs. The lawsuit argues that these orders are unconstitutional and exceed presidential authority, undermining efforts to address historical discrimination.
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State-Level Legal Pushback: Some state universities and civil rights organizations are exploring legal action to reinstate DEI programs through state-funded initiatives and private grants.
What This Means for Social Workers:
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Loss of culturally competent training – The removal of DEI initiatives may embolden discrimination and microaggressions in public institutions, making it harder for social workers of color to thrive in federal and state agencies.
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Black social workers face professional challenges – Those working in education, mental health and government agencies may feel unsupported or experience increased racial bias in hiring and promotions.
How to Keep Fighting:
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Support alternative DEI initiatives – Many organizations are now running privately funded DEI training—promote and participate in them. Encourage institutions to adopt alternative funding sources for diversity initiatives.
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Work with grassroots organizations – Groups focused on Black advocacy and racial justice are stepping in where federal DEI programs were defunded. Social workers can connect with these organizations to ensure continued support for marginalized communities.
- Push for state-level protections – Some state and local governments are maintaining DEI programs through state funding. Social workers can advocate for similar measures in their regions.
- Document the impact – Social workers should track how these rollbacks affect workplace diversity and mental health outcomes for marginalized communities to support future legal challenges.
5. Dismantling of USAID and Its Impact on Social Work
What Changed:
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The administration dismantled USAID, cutting funding for international humanitarian programs.
What This Means for Social Workers:
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Black immigrant communities lose vital resources – Many Caribbean and African communities in the U.S. relied on USAID-supported social services.
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Human trafficking and refugee support programs are suffering – The loss of funding impacts global anti-human trafficking efforts.
How to Keep Fighting:
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Partner with NGOs filling the gap – Some nonprofits are stepping in where USAID left off—connect clients to those resources.
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Advocate for local funding – Many state governments and private donors are stepping in—social workers can push for those funds to be directed toward vulnerable communities.
Legal Pushback & Ongoing Advocacy
The fight isn’t over. While the administration has attempted to roll back critical protections, federal courts have already blocked some of these policies—proving that advocacy, legal action and public pressure can and do make a difference.
Social workers must:
✔️ Stay informed – Follow news from reputable sources.
✔️ Know when policies change – Court rulings can reverse decisions at any time.
✔️ Advocate at every level – Many of these fights will now take place at the state level—get involved locally.
Final Thoughts: Stay Resilient, Stay Engaged
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