News & Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS
IRAP | Spencer Tilger | media@refugeerights.orgCWS | M.E. Margolis | media@cwsglobal.org
HIAS | Rebecca Kirzner | media@hias.org
LCSNW | Matt Misterek | mmisterek@lcsnw.org
REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT LEADERS AND ATTORNEYS DISCUSS NEW LAWSUIT CHALLENGING TRUMP SUSPENSION OF USRAP
Access a recording of the press call HERE
(Seattle, WA) — On a press call held yesterday, advocates discussed the first lawsuit challenging President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) suspending the U.S. refugee resettlement program (USRAP). Plaintiffs – including an impacted refugee, a local sponsor, and refugee resettlement leaders from around the country – and their attorneys provided an overview of the lawsuit and the disastrous impact the Trump administration’s unlawful actions have had on refugees and the organizations that serve them. The federal litigation, filed yesterday in the Western District of Washington, asks the court to declare the EO illegal, enjoin all implementation of the EO, and restore refugee-related funding.
A recording of the press call is available online HERE.
Individual plaintiff Ali* is a 22-year-old Iraqi refugee who resettled in the United States in January 2025, shortly before refugee suspension started. Ali said in a pre-recorded message: “When I heard that I was approved to come to America, I was dancing and singing. I am still so happy and grateful to live in the United States. As a gay man in Iraq, I faced really terrible things and feared for my life. I feel like I can be safe here. I want to finish my studies and become a nurse. I came here with $120, and don’t yet have family or friends in America, so I rely on refugee assistance for my rent, my food, really my survival. Unfortunately, I received an email that there is an indefinite delay of my benefits. I have no idea when I will get them again, and don’t know how I will survive without them. There are lots of people in my position, and some of them have children and don’t yet speak English. I don’t know how they are managing. I hope for all of us that something changes.”
Individual plaintiff Rachel* is a U.S. citizen sponsoring an Afghan family affected by the suspension. Rachel said: “A few years ago, I met an Afghan woman through my daughter and we became friends. She is intelligent and kind, and she is absolutely thriving in the United States. Her entire family had to flee after the Taliban takeover, and when I learned that my synagogue and I could sponsor them through the Welcome Corps, I felt like I needed to do what I could to help them. I joined this lawsuit because I hope it will help the rest of the family come here and live their lives. It is also personal to me and my faith. As a Jew, I take to heart the commandment to welcome the stranger, because our own history is full of being strangers in a foreign land. I also believe immigrants are drivers for American prosperity, that they contribute to our vibrant and dynamic culture. They are what makes America great. As a country, I think we are better than this current state of affairs.”
Linda Evarts, Senior Supervising Attorney, U.S. Litigation, International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), said: “President Trump’s orders are blatantly illegal. They are designed to decimate the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and the infrastructure supporting refugee resettlement in the United States. They violate Congress’ authority to make immigration laws, by trying to unilaterally override the Refugee Act. This administration’s lawless anti-immigrant agenda has to stop. We are asking the court to declare the Executive Order illegal, enjoin its implementation, and restore funding to the resettlement agencies.”
Rick Santos, President and CEO, Church World Service (CWS), said: “The consequences of these actions for the most vulnerable refugee families—who now face challenges accessing housing, food assistance, and support for vital social services must not be ignored. Leaving families our nation pledged to support is an abdication of our values, and an abandonment of U.S. moral leadership and the faith communities our organization represents.”
Mark Hetfield, President, HIAS, said: “HIAS and our local partners in 30 communities across 17 states were looking forward to welcoming 621 approved refugees in February alone. These refugees had been vetted, interviewed, and approved for travel by the Department of Homeland Security. But on Inauguration Day, we had to tell our partners that these refugees will no longer be coming because they were stopped by this cruel and unlawful refugee ban. HIAS is joining this lawsuit so that America can keep its promise to these 621 persecuted individuals and many more who have waited in line for so long to come here legally and start a new life in our country as new Americans.”
David Duea, CEO, Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), said: “For the refugees we serve, this lawsuit represents a last resort — a necessary step to uphold our commitment to providing safety, stability, and hope for those seeking refuge. The Pacific Northwest is a welcoming region for refugees. Our communities in the Portland and Seattle areas simply want to keep doing their part.”
Background
The lawsuit, Pacito v. Trump, was filed by IRAP on behalf of CWS, HIAS, and LCSNW – whose ability to provide critical services to refugees in the U.S. and abroad has been severely inhibited by the Trump administration’s suspension of USRAP and funding, as well as impacted individual plaintiffs, including refugees who had their travel to the U.S. canceled on short notice, families hoping to reunite after years of separation, and a local community sponsor.
The lawsuit argues that the refugee suspension, including its chaotic implementation by federal agencies, is unlawful and violates Congress’ authority to make immigration laws, and that the State Department’s stop-work orders violate basic regulatory requirements.
- Hear a recording of yesterday’s press call: HERE
- Read the complaint: HERE
- Read the press release announcing the lawsuit and featuring extensive quotes: HERE
- Read the New York Times exclusive on the lawsuit: 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.
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