Chicago – February 11, 2025
Several U.S. refugee resettlement groups filed a lawsuit on Monday, asking a federal judge to restore the U.S. refugee program. They argue that President Donald Trump’s indefinite suspension of the program is illegal and causing serious harm.
The lawsuit, filed in Washington State, challenges Trump’s decision to pause the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The president had said the pause was needed to review whether the program “aligns with the interests of the United States,” with a report due every 90 days to decide if it should resume.
Trump’s action has stopped many refugees, including Afghan allies who helped the U.S. and family members waiting to reunite, from entering the country. The suspension also cut federal funding to faith-based organizations that help refugees, affecting services like housing, job placement, and language courses.
Rick Santos, the head of Church World Service, one of the groups filing the lawsuit, said, “Shutting down this proven program harms tens of thousands of vulnerable refugee families we have pledged to support.”
The lawsuit, filed by Church World Service, HIAS, Lutheran Community Services Northwest, and nine individuals affected by the suspension, asks the court to declare Trump’s action illegal, stop its implementation, and restore funding for refugee programs.
