The Trump administration has ordered a comprehensive review of all refugees admitted to the United States during the Biden administration, a move that could affect more than 200,000 individuals who have legally immigrated to the country over the past four years.
Eko Hot News reports that the memo calls for a “re-interview of all refugees admitted from January 20, 2021, to February 20, 2025.” Individuals found not to meet the definition of a refugee under the re-review will have no right to appeal, and their spouses, children, and family members could also lose their immigration status. The review is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to overhaul the U.S. immigration system, citing concerns about public safety and national security.
The review, outlined in a memo obtained by NBC News, seeks to re-evaluate refugee status, including for green-card holders, citing concerns that the previous administration prioritised speed and numbers over thorough vetting.
The announcement has drawn immediate criticism from advocacy groups and humanitarian organisations. Shawn VanDiver, founder of #AfghanEvac, described the decision as “unprecedented and cruel,” noting that many affected refugees had already passed extensive vetting processes and rebuilt their lives in the U.S. World Relief also condemned the move, warning that it undermines due process and will generate fear among refugee communities.
Under the executive order signed on his first day in office, Trump suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, emphasising that future refugee admissions must align with American interests, ensure public safety, and only admit individuals capable of assimilating fully into the United States. Refugee admissions for the 2026 fiscal year have been reduced to a historical low of 7,500, with the majority allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa and other groups claiming persecution, despite widespread controversy over the validity of these claims.
Eko Hot News further reports that Department of Homeland Security officials defended the review, stating that the Biden administration’s refugee policy prioritised numbers over rigorous vetting and compliance with legal standards, thereby jeopardising national security. Officials claim corrective measures are necessary to restore integrity to the immigration system.
This latest move underscores the Trump administration’s hardline stance on immigration and refugee policy, emphasising security and selective admissions while drawing criticism from international and domestic humanitarian organisations. The review will have far-reaching implications for tens of thousands of refugees and their families currently residing in the United States.
