US Refugee Admissions Program Suspended Indefinitely

The United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) processes thousands of refugees each year through extensive multi-agency vetting. On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order suspending the program indefinitely. The suspension took effect on January 22. People who had already been approved and had flights booked had those arrangements immediately cancelled, with no rescheduled date provided.

If you are a refugee outside the United States waiting for resettlement, your case is effectively paused. There is no current timeline for when the program will resume. Stay in contact with the resettlement agency or attorney handling your case, and do not book travel or make relocation plans based on an expected arrival date.

People who are already in the United States under a different form of status — such as an approved asylum grant — are not affected by this suspension. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact a legal service provider or resettlement agency for guidance.