News & Resources

FOIA: Refugee adjudication policies and procedures

IRAP filed a lawsuit seeking records that explain the current state of refugee processing, including training materials, manuals, and policies that govern officers’ evaluations of refugee applications.

Impact

The Trump Administration implemented opaque changes to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program that drastically reduced refugee resettlement. Many of those critical policy changes occurred in U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and Department of State agency manuals and policy guidance. This case aims to shed light on these changes, which continue to shape U.S. refugee policy to this day.

Case status

IRAP has been receiving productions and in discussions about additional productions. 

Follow the Case

  • September 25, 2019 Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief for Violation of the Freedom of Information Act

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  • May 24, 2019 USCIS FOIA Request

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  • View the May 24, 2019 DOS FOIA Request (Exhibit C, Complaint)

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