URGENT UPDATE: The Trump administration has just announced a sweeping review of refugees who entered the United States under former President Joe Biden, according to a memo obtained by CBS News. This unprecedented directive is aimed at identifying potential disqualifications for those seeking to remain in the U.S., raising immediate concerns for thousands of refugees.
The memo, dated November 21, 2023, and signed by Joseph Edlow, the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), instructs immigration officials to investigate the cases of refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025. This could potentially impact the status of approximately 233,000 refugees who entered during this timeframe.
Authorities report that the review will involve reinterviews and thorough investigations to determine if these individuals meet the legal definition of a refugee and to assess any barriers that might prevent them from becoming permanent residents. The memo also imposes an indefinite hold on all pending green card applications filed by these refugees. Under U.S. law, refugees typically become eligible for permanent residency one year after their admission.
Joseph Edlow emphasized that if principal applicants are denied, their family members’ cases will also be rejected, leading to potential deportation proceedings. Refugees must demonstrate they fled persecution based on factors such as race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a social group.
The implications of this review are profound, as it affects the lives and futures of those who fled danger and sought refuge in the U.S. Many of these individuals may now face uncertainty and the threat of deportation.
The Trump administration’s refugee admission cap for the current fiscal year has been set at 7,500, marking the lowest level in history. This decision prioritizes admissions primarily for groups such as Afrikaners from South Africa, whom the administration claims face discrimination, a statement that the South African government has denied.
Critics argue that the Trump administration’s approach prioritizes quantity over thorough vetting, with Edlow asserting that the Biden administration “prioritized expediency” in refugee admissions.
The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. As the administration moves forward with these reviews, the fate of countless refugees hangs in the balance. Advocates and lawmakers are already pushing back against these measures, calling for a reassessment of policies that could jeopardize the safety and stability of those seeking asylum in the U.S.
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