Appeals Court Partially Upholds Trump Refugee Freeze Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

The 9th Circuit Court allows the administration to halt new refugee approvals but mandates processing of pre-approved cases.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Trump administration can temporarily pause the approval of new refugee applications while litigation over the executive order continues.
Refugees conditionally approved for entry into the U.S. before January 20, 2025, must still be processed under the court's decision.
The executive order, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, cites resource constraints and the inability of communities to absorb large numbers of migrants as reasons for suspending the refugee program.
Nonprofit organizations assisting refugees have reported significant disruptions to their operations, with ongoing legal challenges arguing the order violates the Refugee Act of 1980.
The court's ruling is a temporary stay, leaving the case active and under litigation, with further proceedings expected through at least April 2025.