Changes to the refugee program in the United States

更新时间:2026 年 4 月 10 日
Refugee resettlement in the United States has changed. Fewer people can enter through the refugee program, and some processes are paused. If you are a refugee in the U.S., in the process overseas, or hoping to apply, it is important to understand what is happening now.

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.

Re-interviews and case reviews

The government is re-interviewing certain refugees who have lived in the U.S. for at least one year and who have not yet received a Green Card. Even if you have a pending Green Card application, you may be asked to attend a re-interview.

These reviews are happening across the country. A standard USCIS appointment notice for your Green Card application may actually be part of a review of your original refugee case. 

At your interview, officers may review:

  • Whether you qualified for refugee status when you entered the U.S.
  • “Inadmissibility issues,” or past concerns that could affect your application

A federal court stopped the government from arresting and detaining refugees as part of this process. You can not be arrested or detained anywhere in the country under this re-interview policy. The court case is ongoing, and rules could change.

重要

Here is how you can prepare:

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How does this differ from Operation PARRIS and the refugee arrest policy?

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.

A February 18 memo described a plan to expand Operation PARRIS arrests to other places around the country. On March 23, in a separate lawsuit, a judge paused the nationwide refugee arrest policy.

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

Looking for more details?

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. Even if the travel ban does not apply to you, international travel may still be risky if you are not a U.S. citizen. Learn how to plan your travel safely.

重要信息

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 for exemptions from the refugee suspension by the government, including Afrikaners from South Africa.
  • The refugee ban remains in place. Only people who receive an exemption may enter.
  • On March 5, a court ruled that the refugee suspension can continue.
  • On April 7, a new lawsuit challenged the refugee suspension and called for a fairer exemption process. For now, the suspension remains in place, and exemptions are only offered to South Africans. 

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.

什么是难民安置?

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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