Trump Suspends U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, Citing National Interests

Flights for thousands of refugees already cleared for resettlement are canceled as the program pauses indefinitely under a new executive order.

President Donald Trump issued an executive order halting the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, effective January 27, to reassess its alignment with national interests.
The suspension immediately cancels travel plans for thousands of refugees, including many who had already completed rigorous vetting processes.
The order allows for case-by-case exceptions if deemed in the national interest and does not affect Afghans with Special Immigration Visas.
Refugee advocates warn of severe consequences for vulnerable populations, particularly families separated for years and individuals stranded in unsafe conditions.
The move reverses Biden-era expansions of the program, which had restored funding and increased refugee admissions to a 30-year high of over 100,000 in 2024.