Refugee & Immigrant Updates & Resources

What does the executive order do? All refugee admissions will be suspended, with case-by-case exceptions, starting January 27, and the program will be re-evaluated every 90 days, with no requirements for when it must re-start.

How does it impact refugees? The program will be shut down. Refugees will not be admitted. The exceptions will be very hard to obtain. People who have been waiting for years will be forced to wait for an indefinite amount of time.

What does the executive order do? It increases resources and staffing for deportation, as well as coordination between local and federal authorities. It requires all undocumented non-citizens to register with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and directs DHS to build more detention centers. The executive order includes negative consequences for organizations and cities who support undocumented communities.

How does it impact immigrants? Individuals without documentation are now at far greater risk of being targeted for deportation. This will increase fear, uncertainty, the possibility of family separation, policing of communities, and racial profiling. It distracts and redirects resources away from targeting actual national security threats.

What does the executive order do? Individuals in Mexico will be unable to schedule appointments to be processed at one of eight designated ports of entry on the U.S-Mexico border, and all existing appointments will be canceled.

How does it impact asylum seekers? CBP One was the only means an individual could schedule an appointment to lawfully enter the U.S. and seek asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. This will result in indefinite and extended periods of time in Mexico for asylum seekers where they lack access to basic social services and face increased danger.

What does the executive order do? Premised on the perceived threat to security, this allows the president to militarize the U.S.-Mexico border, orders the rebuilding of the border wall, and instructs government agencies to take “appropriate” steps to stop migration by asylum seekers.

How does it impact asylum seekers? This sets a dangerous and anti-democratic precedent that is extreme, ineffective, and costly. There is also little oversight and accountability of the agencies responsible for prohibiting the entry of asylum seekers.

What does the executive order do? Multiple other executive orders addressed the U.S.-Mexico border. One cleared the path to restart the Migration Protection Protocols, also known as “Remain in Mexico.” Another declares migration at the southern border to be an invasion that threatens national security and public health.

How does it impact asylum seekers? The Department of Homeland Security will have wide latitude and discretion to apprehend and expel individuals back to Mexico or their country of origin. Asylum seekers will be put directly in harm’s way, with almost no ability to seek asylum.

What does the executive order do? Individuals in need of humanitarian support will no longer have access to established and carefully monitored pathways into the U.S. This includes Afghans, Ukrainians, Cubans, Nicaraguans, Haitians, and Venezuelans.

How does it impact immigrants? Parole programs are an orderly and safe way for people with U.S.-based sponsors to come to the U.S. on a temporary basis and legally work. Without this, many with humanitarian parole will be left without legal status and unable to work, and those waiting to come to the U.S. through this legal program will no longer be able to do so.

What does the executive order do? Individuals born in the U.S. to parents without permanent lawful status will no longer be recognized as U.S. citizens.

How does it impact immigrant families? It violates both the 14th Amendment and established Supreme Court precedent to create a generation of second-class citizens without the rights of full citizenship. Litigation to fight this has already been filed.