Trump Administration Detains and Questions Previously Admitted US Refugees
In a significant departure from established practice, the Trump administration is detaining and questioning refugees who have already been admitted to the United States after undergoing extensive interviews and vetting processes. This policy shift has sparked legal challenges and widespread concern among advocates and affected individuals.
Break from Tradition and Legal Precedent
Historically, welcoming refugees has enjoyed bipartisan support in the US, notably since the Refugee Act of 1980. Refugee applications are among the most heavily scrutinized in the immigration system, with decisions rarely revisited once status is granted. However, the current administration is now casting new scrutiny on refugees, particularly those admitted under former President Joe Biden, whom officials accuse of prioritizing quantity over detailed screening.
Advocates argue that this move overturns years of legal tradition. Beth Oppenheim, CEO of HIAS, a major refugee aid group, stated, "They’ve been heavily vetted and were admitted by the government with approval." She explained that once a refugee is admitted through the resettlement program, the only way to strip their status is to prove they should never have been admitted, which is why the administration is conducting re-interviews.
Targeted Actions in Minnesota and Beyond
The administration has initially focused on 5,600 refugees who settled in Minnesota and are not yet permanent residents, making them particularly vulnerable. Immigration authorities have arrested or questioned dozens of refugees in Minnesota, with attorneys and advocates warning that more detentions are likely nationwide.
In January, a federal judge ordered a temporary halt to the arrest and detention of refugees in Minnesota while a lawsuit challenging the "revetting" continues. The judge ordered the immediate release of all refugees detained in Minnesota and those taken to Texas. On Friday, the judge extended the order, criticizing the policy for turning the "American Dream into a dystopian nightmare."
Additionally, a group of refugees in other states filed a lawsuit on Friday seeking to block new Department of Homeland Security policies that could lead to the detention of tens of thousands of refugees lawfully in the US but without permanent residency.
Personal Stories of Fear and Disruption
Three refugees shared their harrowing experiences with The Associated Press, highlighting the human impact of this policy.
- A 24-year-old Venezuelan woman and her mother were handcuffed by masked officers outside their St. Paul apartment complex and told their legal status was under review. They were later flown to Houston, where they were shackled, isolated without food or water, and pressured to sign documents. Released after filing habeas corpus petitions, the younger woman is now too afraid to leave her house.
- Saw Ba Mya James, a 46-year-old ethnic Karen pastor from Myanmar, received a letter ordering a "post-admissions refugee reverification" interview. During the session, an officer questioned him on issues already addressed in his initial vetting, citing an inexperienced employee's handling of his case. James now carries a letter from his church appealing for humane treatment, fearing detention.
- A Congolese refugee was arrested in St. Paul while arriving for work, handcuffed despite showing identification, and flown to Houston for questioning. Released without ID documents, she was driven back to Minneapolis by her employer, leaving her traumatized and questioning her safety.
Administration Justification and Legal Context
Matthew Tragesser, a spokesman for US Citizenship and Immigration Services, defended the actions in a written statement, noting that refugees "are REQUIRED to be subject to a full inspection after a year within the United States" for green card applications. While it is true that refugees must apply for green cards after one year, bringing renewed scrutiny, the administration is breaking with decades of tradition by revisiting initial admission decisions and detaining refugees during review.
Smita Dazzo, deputy director of US programs at HIAS, warned, "Arresting, detaining, and rescreening refugees are all new changes which will inflict grave harm on vulnerable populations." The ongoing legal battles and personal testimonies underscore the profound uncertainty and fear gripping refugee communities across the nation.
