Overview
- An internal memo dated Nov. 21 and signed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow instructs officials to re-interview refugees admitted between Jan. 20, 2021 and Feb. 20, 2025.
- The order suspends approval of permanent residency for that cohort and contemplates revoking refugee status for individuals found ineligible.
- Reports differ on the number affected, with estimates ranging from roughly 200,000 to about 235,000 people, based on Reuters, AP and CNN.
- USCIS, DHS and the White House had not commented at the time of reporting, while advocacy groups including HIAS and IRAP condemned the mass review.
- The move follows a broader policy shift that lowered the annual refugee ceiling to 7,500, interrupting the usual path to permanent residence and eventual citizenship; AP reporting indicates a priority list for re-interviews is due within 90 days.