The Trump administration is planning to review all refugees admitted to the United States during the Biden administration, according to an internal memo obtained by the Associated Press on Monday. The move marks the latest effort against a program that for decades has welcomed people fleeing war and persecution.
The review is expected to create uncertainty and anxiety for nearly 200,000 refugees admitted during that period. Legal challenges are anticipated from refugee advocacy groups, many of which have described the plan as “a hostile approach to people trying to rebuild their lives.”
The memo, signed by USCIS Director Joseph Edlow and dated Friday, said that the Biden administration prioritized speed and large numbers over “thorough vetting and background checks.” The Trump administration stated that a full review and re-interview of all refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025 is now required.
The memo also noted that within three months, a list of refugees to be re-interviewed will be prepared. Advocacy groups noted that refugees are often subject to more extensive screening than other arrivals in the U.S., and typically wait years before being resettled.
