The Trump administration has ordered a review of nearly 200,000 refugees admitted under Biden, pausing green cards and triggering major backlash.
The Trump administration is preparing to launch a sweeping review of every refugee admitted to the United States during President Joe Biden’s term, according to an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. The move marks one of the most dramatic actions yet targeting a program that, for decades, has offered protection to people fleeing conflict and persecution.
If implemented, the review could create uncertainty and fear among nearly 200,000 refugees who entered the country between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025. Legal experts and refugee advocates predict significant backlash and potential court challenges, calling the effort unnecessary, punitive, and harmful to vulnerable families.
The memo, signed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Joseph Edlow, argues that the Biden administration emphasized “expediency” and high admission numbers over “thorough screening and vetting.” Citing those concerns, the document orders a comprehensive reassessment and re-interview of all refugees admitted during the specified timeframe.
USCIS intends to produce a priority list for re-interviews within 90 days. In the meantime, the agency has immediately suspended all pending green card approvals for refugees who arrived during the Biden years. Under existing law, refugees must apply for lawful permanent residence one year after arriving in the United States and are typically eligible for citizenship five years after receiving a green card.
Despite inquiries, USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security, and the White House did not comment on the memo.
Part of a Larger Crackdown on Immigration
- This initiative follows a series of aggressive immigration enforcement measures by the Trump administration.
- Earlier in the year, the refugee program was temporarily halted, and a new admissions cap of just 7500 refugees, primarily white South Africans was introduced. This marks the lowest ceiling since the modern refugee program began in 1980.
- During the Biden administration, the admissions rebounded significantly. From October 2021 to September 2024, the U.S. welcomed more than 185,000 refugees.
- Large numbers arrived from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Syria.
Advocates Condemn the Review as Cruel and Wasteful
Refugee organizations swiftly criticized the proposed re-evaluation, arguing that it will retraumatize individuals who have already undergone rigorous, multi-layered security checks. Several senior advocates have gone ahead and criticized this strong move and have described the administration’s ‘cold-hearted treatment‘ of individuals rebuilding their lives in the U.S as unnecessary.
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), which is already part of a lawsuit challenging the suspension of refugee admissions, warned that the review would squander enormous government resources and destabilize communities where refugees are working, studying, and contributing peacefully.
What Comes Next?
The memo indicates that re-interviews will reexamine key elements of each refugee’s case, including proof of past persecution, fear of future harm, potential security concerns, and other admissibility factors. As advocates prepare for legal action, refugees now face renewed uncertainty—despite having already cleared one of the world’s most stringent vetting systems.
Helene Elliott is the senior reporter for News Raise. She covers Science news. She also has a keen interest in photojournalism. Helene holds a nomination for the prestigious Red Smith Award. She is married to author Dennis D’Agostino, a former publicist with the New York Mets.
