US Freezes Green Card Approvals for 200,000 Refugees Amid Trump-Era Review

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The Biden administration's refugee program is facing another hurdle as the Trump-era policy of re-interviewing every refugee admitted during that time period is set to take effect. A memo issued by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow indicates that around 200,000 refugees who entered the US between January 2021 and February 2025 will be affected by the review process. The move is a significant setback for the refugee program, which has provided a safe haven for individuals fleeing war and persecution for years. Advocacy groups have expressed concern that the re-interviews will be lengthy and may lead to delays or even denials of green card applications. According to the memo, USCIS will conduct a thorough review of all refugees admitted during the specified timeframe, re-interviewing individuals and their family members if necessary. The agency will also reassess grounds for inadmissibility, including those previously waived. Refugees who are facing removal due to the review process have limited options for appeal. They may challenge removal in immigration court, but the process can be lengthy and uncertain. The suspension on green card processing will remain in effect until a subsequent memo rescinds it. The USCIS memo emphasizes the need to ensure that refugees do not pose a threat to national security or public safety. However, advocacy groups argue that the re-interviews are a form of 'cold-hearted treatment' towards individuals who are seeking to rebuild their lives in the US. The refugee program has been a topic of controversy in recent years, with many advocating for increased protections and more efficient processing. The Trump-era policy of re-interviewing refugees has been met with resistance from advocacy groups, who argue that it is unnecessary and may lead to delays or denials of green card applications. As the review process commences, refugees are left with uncertainty and anxiety about their future in the US. The outcome of the re-interviews will have a significant impact on their lives, and many are left wondering if they will be able to remain in the country they call home.