Understanding the U.S. Refugee Program Suspension

New policies were passed this week impacting refugee and immigrant community members, including the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for at least 90 days.

The president’s executive order halts the arrival of refugees who have been vetted and approved for resettlement and pauses decisions on refugee applications. Welcome Corps arrivals are also on hold. There is the possibility of case-by-case exceptions, to be determined by the secretary of State and the secretary of Homeland Security.

Our hearts are hurting for people who have waited years to be resettled or to reunite with their families who will now have to wait even longer. We know most Americans support the U.S. resettlement program, and Idahoans value the strengths, skills, and friendship that neighbors from refugee backgrounds bring to our community. Providing safety to people fleeing persecution is a founding value of our nation.

The Idaho Office for Refugees and our resettlement agency partners in Idaho are continuing to operate and keep our doors open during the suspension. The order does not affect the status or work authorization of people with refugee status who have already been resettled in the U.S. 

Update: On Jan. 24, resettlement agencies received a stop-work order from the Secretary of State directing them to stop administering Reception and Placement. This program is crucial in covering basic necessities, such as food and rent, for new arrivals and SIVs while they get settled and find employment. We encourage our community to make a donation to your local resettlement agency to help cover gaps during this challenge. 

• Agency for New Americans, Boise
• ​International Rescue Committee, Boise
• USCRI, Twin Falls

What’s Next
The secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the secretary of State, will submit a report to the president every 90 days on whether resuming refugee arrivals is in the interest of the United States. At that time, the president will determine if and when the resettlement program resumes.
 
What Can You Do
1. Share Your Story: Tell us your resettlement story or a story about a time someone from a refugee background had an impact on your life. These stories will be used in our efforts to educate the public on the value of refugee resettlement in our community.
SHARE YOUR STORY

2. Endorse our Legislative Lunch: Ask your business or organization to endorse our annual Idaho Appreciation Lunch: From Refugees to Lawmakers at the State Capitol. The lunch connects lawmakers with constituents from refugee backgrounds and demonstrates the breadth of support in Idaho for refugee resettlement.
ENDORSE

3. Donate: Our work is not on pause during this time. Community support provides resources for Refugee Speakers Bureau community outreach, Global Talent’s career program, Global Gardens, the English Language Center, and more.
DONATE

4. Voice Your Support: We all have influence in our circles, and our support matters. You can invite a member of the Refugee Speakers Bureau to your workplace, school, church or event. You can call or write your U.S. House representatives, U.S. senator, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Secretary of State offices and share why refugee resettlement matters to you, with a personal story of its impact in your life.
 
Helpful Resources

​Explainer: The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program

Watch: Our interview with KTVB discusses the order and its impacts.

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook for more updates, stories, and perspectives.

Listen and Share: Hear and share stories of Idaho neighbors from refugee and immigrant backgrounds through our Mosaics Podcast, available on YouTube and podcast platforms. When someone personally knows a refugee, support for resettlement goes up.

Connect with Us: If you have concerns or questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

We are in this together. As we did during the resettlement program’s temporary suspension in 2017, we will stay true to our mission to welcome and support people granted refuge in the United States by providing opportunities for education, civic engagement, economic advancement, and belonging.