News & Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Spencer Tilger | media@refugeerights.org
IRAP WARNS OF SWEEPING HARMS AND TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES OF REFUGEE SUSPENSION EXECUTIVE ORDER, CANCELLATION OF REFUGEE TRAVEL
IRAP Releases New Explainer of EO’s Significance
(New York, NY) – Today, multiple media outlets reported that the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) has indefinitely suspended new applications and case processing, including cancelling planned travel for refugees already approved for resettlement, effective immediately. The news follows President Trump’s signing of multiple executive orders attacking the refugee and immigration system, including “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” which explicitly mandated the indefinite suspension of decisions on refugee applications and refugee travel to the United States. While the travel suspension was supposed to take effect on January 27, in practice, reports indicate that the suspension of refugee entries has already been implemented. Impacted refugees include those resettling in the United States through USRAP, refugee follow-to-join family reunification petitions, the Central American Minors (CAM) Program, and the Welcome Corps private sponsorship program, among others.
In response, the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) released a new explainer on USRAP suspension HERE, detailing the scope and implications, and issued the following statement from Laurie Ball Cooper, IRAP’s Vice President for U.S. Legal Programs:
“It is now apparent that Trump’s refugee executive order has already caused sweeping harms. Currently, the refugee suspension is affecting all approved refugees, including many Afghan allies, those planning on joyous family reunifications, and those readying to resettle in the U.S. through the popular and successful Welcome Corps program, as well as the American communities eager to welcome them.
We know firsthand from the Trump administration’s previous refugee ban that even a temporary suspension will result in immediate and lasting harm for refugees and their families. Indeed, the government still has not finished the processing for many refugees affected by the 2017 refugee ban, despite a settlement agreement related to IRAP’s successful lawsuit challenging that ban that guaranteed certain cases prioritized processing.
Those impacted by Trump’s previous bans included families who had already been separated for years and were forced to go through medical and security checks all over again, adding additional years of waiting in fear; U.S.-affiliated Iraqis and Afghans needing to access the U.S. through the refugee program and who were trapped in life-threatening limbo; as well as parents in the United States whose children were being targeted by gangs in Central America and who lost years of being together in safety. The impacts were real and devastating, and IRAP will continue to fight for the rights and dignity of those affected by the new policies as well.”
Email media@refugeerights.org to discuss the details, implications, and unanswered questions about the refugee executive order and other Trump executive orders and plans
Additional Resources
- Read IRAP’s new explainer on the USRAP suspension: HERE
- Read IRAP’s statement on Trump immigration executive orders: “IRAP Condemns Announced Trump Immigration Executive Orders, Vows to Continue ‘Fight for a More Welcoming Future for All’”
- Read about IRAP’s fight against the 2017 Muslim ban: HERE
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.
###