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

DHS and USCIS started Operation PARRIS to review the cases of certain refugees who have already arrived. The operation starts in Minnesota and will review thousands of refugees who have not yet adjusted to their Green Cards.

There are reports of immigration officers going door-to-door and targeting refugees in Minnesota, detaining them, and transporting them to Texas. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is reviewing their case only after they arrive in Texas.

More information on Operation PARRIS

There is not a specific nationality that is targeted by the operation.
Over 100 refugees, including children, have been detained
Under the law, the government cannot end refugee status without providing 30 days for the refugee to provide evidence for why status should not be ended
Right now, the operation is focused on refugees who have not yet adjusted to Green Cards in Minnesota. But it may be expanded to cover other refugees in other states.

No matter where you live, it is important to be ready. Learn how to prepare for ICE.

Important

Review of past refugee cases

Before Operation PARRIS, USCIS said it was preparing a major review of past refugee cases and had paused decisions on Green Card applications for refugees.

Who is included

USCIS plans to review all refugees admitted between January 20, 2021 and February 20, 2025. This includes those who have received Green Cards.

What USCIS may do

Check again if you qualified as a refugee when you were approved to enter the United States
Look again at “inadmissibility issues” that came up in your case, including those previously waived
Consider re-interviewing principal refugees and family members (derivative refugees), such as your spouse or children
Decide whether to continue or end your refugee status, and may also attempt to revoke your Green Card as a result of the review
Under the law, USCIS cannot end your status without first interviewing you and offering you time to respond to their reasons for wanting to end your status

Who is not included

If you were admitted before January 20, 2021, your case is likely not part of this review. Your current status, such as being a Green Card holder or naturalized U.S. citizen, should also not be affected. The government could change who is included in the review in the future.

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.

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

Important

What we do not know yet

This is a new policy, and details may change as the government shares more information. We do not yet have all the details on who will be reviewed, how interviews will take place, or how Green Cards already issued could be affected.

IRAP provides more information and translations in multiple languages.

What you should do now

You do not need to take any action at this time.

If you are a refugee who arrived after January 20, 2021, seek legal help.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, consider the risks before planning international travel.

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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.

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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