Trump Administration Orders Full Review of Biden-Era Refugee Admissions, Halting Green Cards

The Trump administration has directed a full re-evaluation of all refugees admitted to the United States during the previous administration. This policy shift was announced in an internal memo from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The move immediately halts green card approvals for nearly 200,000 individuals.

This sweeping review targets refugees who entered the country between January 2021 and February 2025. According to Reuters, the directive mandates new interviews and a fresh assessment of each case. The decision has created significant uncertainty for families seeking permanent status.

What The New USCIS Memo Mandates

The memo, signed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow, criticizes prior policies for prioritizing speed over thorough vetting. It orders a complete review and re-interview for all principal refugees admitted during the specified four-year period. This process will also apply to their spouses and children.

A priority list for these re-interviews must be established within 90 days. Furthermore, all pending applications for lawful permanent resident status, known as green cards, are now frozen. The agency states this action is necessary to ensure the integrity of the refugee program and national security.

Potential Consequences for Refugee Families

This policy change carries profound implications for affected families. USCIS now has the authority to revoke an individual’s refugee status based on the re-evaluation. Previously approved green card applications can be denied, leaving people in legal limbo.

There is no direct appeals process for a green card denial under these circumstances. The only recourse for an individual is to challenge their removal in immigration court. This places a heavy legal and emotional burden on those who have already been building new lives in America.

Advocacy groups are preparing legal challenges. They argue the policy represents an abrupt and cruel reversal for vulnerable people. The review could take years to complete, prolonging anxiety for thousands.

The new Trump administration directive marks a dramatic shift in U.S. refugee policy. This extensive refugee review places the futures of thousands of families on hold. The nation watches as the legal and human impact of this immigration overhaul unfolds.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is affected by this new policy?

All principal refugees admitted to the U.S. from January 2021 to February 2025 are subject to review. This also includes their family members, known as derivative refugees.

What happens to green card applications now?

All pending green card applications for these refugees are immediately frozen. No new approvals will be granted until the policy is rescinded or an individual successfully completes a re-interview.

Can a refugee lose their status?

Yes. Following the re-interview, USCIS has the authority to revoke an individual’s refugee status. This could initiate removal proceedings against them.

What is the reason given for this review?

USCIS leadership stated the previous administration prioritized expediency over comprehensive screening. The goal is to ensure the program was not exploited and to verify all admissions were proper.

How long will this review process take?

The agency has 90 days to create a priority list for re-interviews. The full review of nearly 200,000 cases is expected to be a lengthy, multi-year process.