Trump Suspends Refugee and Humanitarian Parole Programs

Trump Suspends USRAP and Refugee Resettlement Services

In the first week of Trump’s second term, his administration has ordered sweeping changes to US parole and refugee programs with major implications for refugees and asylum seekers.

Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) which indefinitely bars any refugee arrivals into the US. An estimated 10,000 refugees who had already been approved through USRAP had their flights cancelled by this suspension order.

In a recent memo, Trump ordered federally funded refugee resettlement agencies in the US to halt essential services provided to refugees who have already arrived in the country. Upon arrival, resettlement agencies provide refugees with a wide range of services for the first three months to help individuals and families adjust to life in the US. These services include access to a caseworker and assistance with locating affordable housing, navigating their finances, finding a job, and integrating themselves into a new community. This would affect more than 30,000 refugees currently residing in the US who are within this three month window for assistance.

Trump Suspends CBP One and Reinstitutes “Remain in Mexico” Policy

For asylum seekers at the US-Mexico border, Trump suspended the use of the CBP One app and cancelled all outstanding appointments scheduled through it. This app was the only legal means to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border and over 250,000 asylum seekers have now lost their appointments.

Trump also reinstated the Migration Protection Protocols or the “Remain in Mexico” policy which requires asylum seekers to remain at the border while they wait for their case to be resolved.

With the cancellation of CBP One appointments and the indefinite suspension of refugee admittance into the US, these asylum seekers are left vulnerable to violence and extortion at the southern border without a legal avenue into the US.

Trump Suspends Humanitarian Parole Programs

Trump also suspended humanitarian parole programs which allow those fleeing emergency situations temporary admittance to the US. After they are admitted, those on parole programs may seek further sponsorship to achieve a more permanent legal status either through work authorization or asylum.

Suspended parole programs include:

• Uniting for Ukraine

• Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan (CHNV) Parole Processes

• Family Reunification Parole Programs

• Central American Minors (CAM) Parole

Not only does Trump’s order suspend future entry into the US through these programs, but makes the status of those already in the US on those programs unclear.

Increased Uncertainty and Risk for Refugee and Asylum Seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers are individuals and families who fear persecution in their home country based on their nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, political belief, sexuality, etc.

US refugee and humanitarian parole programs helped those fleeing crisis, violence, and persecution by providing a safe and legal process to start a new life in the US. Asylum also helped those facing deportation or expedited removal procedures avoid being sent back to situations threatening their safety in their home countries.

Suspending legal avenues and resettlement services puts already vulnerable populations at further risk of violence, food insecurity, homelessness, and diminished access to healthcare–all of which infringes upon their fundamental right to life.

While the Lemkin Institute continues to report on important immigration policy changes, we cannot offer individualized legal advice.

If you think you may be affected by policy changes, please contact an immigration lawyer.