Trump Administration Suspends Green Card Processing for Refugees and Asylees

The Trump administration's recent suspension of green card processing for refugees and asylees has ignited a firestorm of criticism.

The move has raised concerns about transparency, fairness, and the potential exacerbation of existing delays within the immigration system. The policy shift, announced on March 25 by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has prompted legal action and drawn attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable immigrant populations seeking permanent residency in the United States. DHS justifies the temporary suspension as necessary to implement enhanced vetting procedures mandated by an Executive Order issued on January 20. 

However, the lack of detailed information surrounding the decision has fueled speculation and raised questions about its rationale, particularly given the already rigorous security measures in place for refugees and asylees. According to DHS, the suspension allows US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the agency responsible for adjudicating green card applications, to conduct additional reviews of applicants' backgrounds. While the agency has characterised the pause as temporary, it has not provided a timeline for its lifting, leaving applicants and advocates in a state of uncertainty.

The decision to single out refugees and asylees for additional vetting has drawn criticism due to the already stringent security measures they undergo during their initial applications. These measures include biometric fingerprinting and extensive background checks to identify any criminal records or potential ties to terrorism. Green cards, formally known as permanent residence cards, provide a pathway to US citizenship and greater stability for immigrants. 

Refugees and asylees, in particular, often face significant hurdles before reaching the stage where they can apply for permanent residency. Refugees must demonstrate a credible fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a specific social group. Their applications undergo rigorous background checks before they are permitted entry into the United States. Asylees, on the other hand, must meet the same criteria as refugees but are granted status within US borders, often during removal proceedings or through affirmative applications to USCIS. 

Both refugees and asylees must wait a full year after their respective statuses are granted before they are eligible to apply for green cards, making this policy shift especially impactful. The suspension's announcement was met with confusion, as DHS offered no detailed explanation for singling out refugees and asylees for additional vetting. These groups are already subject to stringent security measures, including biometric fingerprinting and extensive background checks, during their initial applications. 

The agency's failure to publish information about the suspension on official channels has left applicants and advocates reliant on sparse details from a DHS press statement. In response to the opacity surrounding the policy, the American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association filed Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests on April 8, seeking records that could shed light on the suspension's rationale and implementation. The organisations hope to uncover the instructions given to USCIS staff regarding the policy and clarify its broader implications for the affected populations.

The timing of the suspension has drawn particular anger due to its potential to exacerbate an already strained immigration system. USCIS data indicates that in January 2025 alone, the agency received over 92,000 green card applications, including more than 12,000 from individuals with refugee or asylee status. Processing delays were already significant, with the majority of applications for refugees and asylees taking between 14 and 15 ½ months to finalise. Critics warn that the backlog created by the suspension could lead to even longer wait times, leaving thousands of applicants in legal and emotional limbo.

Refugees and asylees are among the most vulnerable populations, having fled persecution and instability in their home countries. Attaining legal permanent residency represents a critical step toward rebuilding their lives and gaining protections against deportation. Advocates argue that the suspension undermines these individuals' pursuit of stability and may leave them susceptible to additional uncertainties, particularly as the Trump administration has increasingly targeted immigrants for engaging in what it deems "adverse foreign policy consequences" or protected speech.

The suspension of green card processing for refugees and asylees is taking place against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny of immigration policies under the Trump administration. The administration has implemented a series of measures aimed at tightening border security, increasing enforcement, and restricting access to immigration benefits. The lack of transparency surrounding the suspension has fueled concerns that it may be driven by political considerations rather than legitimate security concerns. Critics argue that the policy serves to further stigmatise refugees and asylees, painting them as security threats despite the rigorous vetting they already undergo.

The American Immigration Council and the American Immigration Lawyers Association, along with other advocacy groups, are closely monitoring the situation and working to ensure that the rights of refugees and asylees are protected. They are also calling on DHS and USCIS to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding the suspension. In the absence of greater transparency and accountability, the suspension remains a source of significant concern. 

The suspension has also raised concerns about its potential impact on the US's reputation as a haven for refugees and asylees. The US has a long history of welcoming individuals fleeing persecution and violence, and the suspension could undermine this tradition. The Trump administration's immigration policies have been widely criticised for their impact on vulnerable populations.