The Review of the Status of Refugees Admitted Under Biden's Administration Has Started

• The review plan concerns over 200,000 refugees.
• Refugee advocates consider this initiative to be historic.
• Changes in politics are causing a backlog among Afghans.

The Trump administration began the review of the status of all refugees who were admitted to the U.S. during the presidency of Joe Biden. This information was disclosed in a memorandum obtained by the Associated Press. According to estimates, under this review, over 200,000 refugees who began the legal immigration process in the last four years will be affected.

The memorandum indicates the intention to conduct a "comprehensive review" and repeated interviews for all refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, including those who received green cards. The document notes that the Biden administration did not prioritize speed and quantity of admissions over detailed reviews.

In cases where refugees do not respond to the designated refugee for the results of the repeated review, they will not have the right to appeal. This can also affect their family members who lose their immigration status if the principal applicant is denied status.

Refugee advocates expressed concern about the potential for this initiative, labeling it historic and unprecedented. They assert that this could lead to additional stress for individuals who have already faced significant challenges. Many refugees have already undergone lengthy review and adaptation processes to their new lives in the U.S.

Official representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs supported the memorandum, asserting that necessary "corrective actions" are required to ensure that those who remain in the U.S. are duly recognized for it.

In addition, news about the review has caused a backlog not only among refugees but also among Afghans who have resettled in the U.S. under different programs. Some of them expressed concerns regarding their status, as changes in politics could impact their lives.

Tags: USA/Politics