10,000 journeys of refugees to the U.S. are canceled following Trump’s executive order

Flights for refugees who had been scheduled to travel to the United States after a lengthy and often arduous process have been canceled, according to a State Department memorandum sent to resettlement partners and obtained by CNN. The memorandum follows President Donald Trump’s executive order to suspend refugee admissions and marks another example of its swift impact. The move will affect thousands of refugees who already had scheduled flights.

“All previously planned refugee travel to the United States is being canceled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” the memorandum states, citing the president’s executive order.

Approximately 10,000 refugees had booked flights, which are now canceled, according to a source familiar with the data. The cancellations may be particularly concerning for refugees whose medical exams or security checks, for instance, are close to expiring. The memorandum also states that case processing is suspended, effectively shutting down the program.

“Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and the IOM should not move refugees to transit centers awaiting travel and must halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made to USRAP,” the memorandum continues.

Holders of special immigrant visas, which include those who have worked for the U.S. abroad, are exempt. They may travel to the United States, according to the memorandum. Refugees already in the United States can continue to receive services.

Trump’s executive order, which he signed on Monday, stated that the United States had been unable to absorb the influx of migrants in recent years, in addition to refugees, leaving the administration room to suspend the U.S. refugee admissions program. The suspension was set to take effect on January 27, according to the order. The memorandum implies it takes effect immediately.

The situation at the U.S. southern border is separate from the refugee program, which dates back decades and includes a thorough vetting process for refugees overseas to resettle in the U.S. However, the crackdown on refugees aligns with the administration’s immigration agenda, which aims to limit entry to the U.S. based on public safety and national security. Under former President Joe Biden, the refugee admissions cap for the United States was set at 125,000 people per year.

CREATED by:

“KORÇA BOOM”