NEW DELHI: The Trump administration on Wednesday cancelled travel plans for thousands of refugees who had already been approved to resettle in the United States.
This decision stems from President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions, showcasing the immediate and far-reaching impact of the policy. Approximately 10,000 refugees, who had already completed a lengthy and arduous vetting process, now face uncertainty after their scheduled flights were cancelled.
“All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” stated a State Department memo, as cited by CNN.
The move has created significant challenges for those whose medical exams or security clearances are nearing expiration, potentially forcing them to restart the exhaustive process, CNN reported.
The memo also outlined a suspension of all case processing and pre-departure activities, effectively halting the US refugee resettlement program. “Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in anticipation of travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made into the USRAP,” it added.
However, exceptions have been made for Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, such as those who worked for the US abroad, allowing them to travel. Refugees already within the United States will also continue to receive support services.
A subsequent email reviewed by The Associated Press further confirmed that “refugee arrival to the United States has been suspended until further notice.” This statement has dashed hopes for refugees who had completed the approval process and booked flights prior to the executive order’s enforcement deadline.
Among those particularly impacted are over 1,600 Afghans who were cleared for resettlement under a program initiated after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This group includes individuals who worked alongside American troops during the war, as well as family members of active-duty US military personnel.
Initially, Trump’s order had set January 27 as the deadline to halt processing and travel, but the timing appears to have been accelerated. The reason behind this sudden change remains unclear.
It is important to note that refugees differ from asylum seekers who arrive directly at the US-Mexico border to seek protection. Refugees must be living outside the United States to qualify for resettlement and are typically referred to the State Department by the United Nations.
Refugees undergo rigorous screening processes before being granted entry into the US. Once they arrive, they are matched with resettlement agencies that assist them in adapting to life in the country, including finding employment and enrolling their children in school.
The suspension has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and refugee advocates, highlighting the humanitarian toll of the Trump administration’s policy changes.