Refugees in the US are the new target for the Trump administration. The Trump administration intends to review all refugees admitted to the U.S. during the Biden administration, reports The Associated Press. Even those refugees who have received US green card after being admitted as a refugee will come under the radar.
A memo signed by the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press, stated that during the Biden years, “expediency” and “quantity” were prioritized over “detailed screening and vetting.”
Who All Will Be Impacted
The memo said that warranted a comprehensive review and “re-interview of all refugees admitted from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025.” The memo indicated that there will be a list of people to re-interview within three months.
The memo stated that even those who have already received their green card would be reviewed. Meanwhile, the memo has also suspended green card approvals for refugees who arrived in the U.S. during the specified time period.
The review could create confusion and fear among the approximately 200,000 refugees who arrived in the United States during that time and may encounter legal challenges from advocates. Advocates highlight that refugees escaping conflict or persecution undergo extensive vetting before entering the United States, navigating a long process of waiting and paperwork to secure positions in the refugee program.
After the review, if the agency determines that a person shouldn’t have qualified for entry as a refugee, the person “has no right to appeal,” according to the memo, although if they are put in removal proceedings and sent to immigration court, they can then plead their case there.
Refugees in US
The annual refugee admissions ceiling under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) has been set at 125,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2024.
On September 29, 2023, President Biden issued the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2024 and allowed individuals from certain locations to be considered for in-country processing, including Cuba, Eurasia, Baltic States, Iraq, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador.
Admissions increased each year from 2022 to 2024, reaching 100,060 in 2024, the highest number since 1994. Before that, in 2022, the number of refugees admitted to the US was 25,520, while in 2023 it was 60,050.
In 2024, the United States admitted 100,060 refugees, more than the total refugees admitted in both 2022 and 2023 combined. Refugee admissions reached 80% of the designated ceiling in 2024.
In 2024, the leading countries of nationality for refugees admitted during this period were, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela and Syria. The top 3 states with the most refugees per capita in 2024 were Nebraska, Iowa and Vermont.
Green Card for Refugees
Refugees in the United States who apply to become lawful permanent residents can obtain a Green Card through a process known as “adjustment of status.” The refugees admitted to the U.S. can apply for a green card one year after arrival and can typically apply for citizenship five years later through the process of Naturalization.
Under US laws, Green card holders enjoy lawful permanent residence status to live and work legally in the country. Immigrants and even refugees can achieve green card status after a lengthy process, but now it appears that their legal status is under threat.
