The Trump administration has issued a new policy requiring refugees who are not permanent U.S. residents within a year of arrival to return to government custody for case reviews and re-screening.
The policy expands the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to detain lawful refugees awaiting green cards.
According to a government memo reported by CBS News, the directive applies to refugees who entered the U.S. legally but have not obtained permanent residency one year after admission.
What the Policy Means
Under the new rules, refugees may voluntarily return to government custody by attending an interview at an immigration office.
If they do not comply, ICE is authorized to locate, arrest, and detain them.
The memo, issued by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow, emphasizes that the one-year mark is a “mandatory re-vetting point” for all refugees who have not adjusted to lawful permanent resident status.
Refugees who raise concerns during this review could lose their legal status and face deportation.
Context and Concerns
Refugees are individuals who receive U.S. protection after proving they are fleeing persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political views, or social group affiliation.
Senate Judiciary Democrats criticized the move on social media, warning that it puts tens of thousands of law-abiding refugees at risk.
The policy comes amid a near shutdown of the U.S. refugee program, which has made only limited exemptions for certain groups.
Key Takeaway
This policy marks a major step in increasing scrutiny of both legal and illegal immigrants.
Refugees hoping for permanent residency must now navigate mandatory re-screenings, and failure to comply could result in detention or deportation.
