Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program

2025-01-30Executive Order 14163
Signed by: Donald Trump
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Headline: Suspends United States Refugee Admissions Program Pending National Interest Review

What it does: Agencies must suspend refugee admissions and stop processing refugee applications while officials review whether resuming entry serves U.S. interests.

Real World Impact:
  • Immediately stops refugee entries into the United States beginning January 27, 2025.
  • Suspends decisions on refugee applications, pausing resettlement processing nationwide.
  • Gives state and local areas a greater role in refugee placement decisions.
Topics: refugee policy, immigration, public safety, state and local government, national security

Summary

This order suspends the United States Refugee Admissions Program until refugee entry aligns with U.S. interests. It directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to stop deciding refugee applications and allows the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to admit refugees only case-by-case when it is clearly in the national interest and not a security threat.

The order aims to protect public safety, preserve taxpayer resources, and give state and local communities a greater role in where refugees are placed; DHS must report to the President every 90 days.

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