Changes to the refugee program in the U.S.

Information for refugees already in the U.S.

If you entered the U.S. through the US refugee admissions program, there is no change to your current status. Resettlement agencies offer limited support, and programs such as Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) and Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) may still be available depending on your state.

Operation to detain refugees and review their cases

On February 18, the administration announced a plan to arrest and re-interview any refugees who have lived in the U.S. for at least one year and who have not yet received a Green Card. Refugees who have filed an application for a Green Card (Form I-485) and who appear at scheduled interviews and appointments “may” not be subject to an arrest.

Here is what you need to know:

The Department of Homeland Security is required to arrest and detain refugees who do not file I-485 applications after one year in the U.S.
At your Green Card interview, officers will review whether you qualified for refugee status when you entered the U.S. They may also review “inadmissibility issues,” or past concerns that could affect your application. This happens whether you are in detention or not.
They may try to end your refugee status and deport some refugees as part of this re-interview process. So far, there are no reports of refugees being deported under the new policy or Operation PARRIS.
There are no specific nationalities targeted. All refugees may be impacted.
The policy does not state where or when the arrests may begin, but some refugees with pending Green Card applications have already received requests to appear for a re-interview.

Based on what we know right now, here is how you can prepare:

If you are a refugee and have not already filed an I-485 to adjust to a Green Card, you should do so immediately. Learn how.
If you are a refugee who is not already a lawful permanent resident, consider filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to get a copy of your refugee application file. This can help you prepare for a potential interview.
If you get a notice for a re-interview, going to the interview may help lower your risk of arrest.
It is important to learn how to prepare for an encounter with ICE.
If you can, get advice from an immigration lawyer or a trusted legal organization to understand your options and risks.

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How does this differ from Operation PARRIS?

In January, DHS and USCIS started Operation PARRIS in Minnesota to arrest refugees who had not yet adjusted to a Green Card and review their cases. On January 28, a Judge in Minnesota temporarily blocked the arrests of refugees under this operation and required the release of those who were already arrested.

The ruling only stopped arrests in Minnesota. Interviews and reviews are still happening in Minnesota, and refugee arrests could happen in other places under the new February 18 memo.

Pause on Green Card applications

All pending Green Card (I-485) applications for refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, have also been put on hold indefinitely.

Even though applications are paused, it is important to continue to file to help protect against potential detention by ICE.
Some Green Cards may still be issued for refugees following the completion of a “re-interview” process.

The government has also announced separate rules for people from travel ban countries, which may also affect you.

Important

Information for those already in the process

This includes people who have started the refugee process but are still outside the United States, including follow-to-join cases.

Refugee cases:

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) is suspended, so most refugee cases overseas cannot move forward.
Refugee travel has resumed, but only for those prioritized by the government, including Afrikaners from South Africa.
The refugee ban remains in place. Only people who receive an exemption may enter.

Follow-to-join (I-730) for refugees:

Most cases remain on hold overseas.
Travel to the U.S. is paused.

International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) offers in-depth information and guidance for refugees.

Looking for more details?

Information for those who want to apply

Right now, most options to apply for resettlement to the United States are closed or very limited.

You cannot apply to the refugee program at this time because USRAP is suspended.
The refugee ban remains in place. Only people who receive an exemption may enter.
The Private Sponsorship program is closed. U.S. citizens and permanent residents cannot apply to sponsor refugees.
The Presidential Determination of allowed refugees for 2026 is 7,500 and is mostly for Afrikaners. Currently, these slots can only be used by people who receive an exemption to the refugee ban.

What is refugee resettlement?

Refugee resettlement is a process that allows certain refugees to enter the U.S. and receive services to help them rebuild their lives.

People must apply for the refugee program from outside the United States.
The United Nations and other actors refer potential refugees to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), which includes a long interview and screening process.
Each year, the government sets a limit on the number of refugees who can come to the United States, called a “Presidential Determination”.
Resettlement agencies provide short-term help with housing, benefits, and basic needs.

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