Chicago – March 09, 2025
On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, citing concerns over the country’s ability to absorb large numbers of refugees. That stranded about 10,000 people who were barred from boarding flights to the U.S., including Afghans who had risked their lives working for the American government or military.
A few days later, the administration issued a stop work order that ended services for refugees already in the U.S. That, along with the funding freeze, has hobbled resettlement agencies nationwide, forcing them to lay off hundreds of staff and even shut down offices.
Refugee resettlement agencies have filed multiple lawsuits challenging the Trump administration actions. A U.S. Supreme Court decision on Wednesday could lead to reimbursement for some services already rendered. But the State Department also has terminated all contracts with resettlement groups. For now, those groups are scrambling to help recently arrived refugees most in need.
