Key Facts

• The new order could impact tens of thousands of refugees legally in the U.S. who do not yet have permanent residency.
• Refugees applying for green cards must return to federal custody one year after their arrival for a review of their applications.
• The memo states that DHS can hold refugees during the process of inspection and examination.
• Nearly 200,000 refugees arrived in the U.S. during the Biden administration, who may be directly affected by the new order.
• Legal and advocacy groups are challenging the order, claiming it threatens refugees with arrest and indefinite detention.
• A federal judge in Minnesota is deciding whether to extend a temporary order that protects refugees in the state from being detained.
• National security and economic concerns are cited as reasons for the change in policy.
• Refugees in the U.S. already undergo detailed background checks before arrival.