Expanded Screening Halts Progress on Refugee Applications
The Trump administration has instructed U.S. officials to pause green card processing for refugees who entered the country during Joe Biden’s presidency. An internal government memo, cited by foreign media, directs immigration authorities to conduct extensive new background checks before advancing any applications.
The move affects refugees who were admitted between January 2021 and January 2025. Many of them were already living in the United States under legal protection and were awaiting the next step toward permanent residency. Now, they face an indefinite delay.
Internal Memo Orders Full Screening
According to sources familiar with the document, the memo calls for comprehensive screening and verification of all refugees admitted under the previous administration. Officials must complete these checks before they resume work on green card petitions.
The Trump team argues that the new scrutiny is necessary. It says the additional review will address what it describes as security gaps in earlier vetting procedures. Until these checks are done, no further progress will occur on permanent residency requests.
Refugee advocates say the instruction could stall cases for months. Some experts warn the delays may stretch even longer if agencies lack staff or updated guidance.
A Broader Pattern of Stricter Immigration Measures
This is not the first time the Trump administration has tightened immigration rules. During its first term, the government reduced refugee admissions to historic lows. It also introduced travel bans, limited visa durations, and imposed broader security checks across several visa categories.
In recent weeks, officials have again signaled plans to narrow immigration pathways. They have mentioned new restrictions on work visas, family reunification programs, and humanitarian parole. Each proposal reflects a wider strategy of limiting lawful migration channels.
The latest directive fits into that pattern. It targets a specific group—refugees who arrived during Biden’s tenure—yet it also signals a broader shift toward more restrictive asylum and refugee policies.
Legal Pushback in Other Areas
The administration has already faced resistance from the courts. A U.S. judge in Washington recently rejected a request to deploy federal troops in the capital. The ruling emphasized that the government had failed to justify the need for military involvement.
Legal analysts say similar challenges could arise if refugee groups or civil rights organizations argue that indefinite processing delays violate established immigration rules. For now, no lawsuit has been filed. However, advocacy groups are reviewing the memo and assessing possible responses.
What the Delay Means for Refugees
The affected refugees had followed the standard process. They were screened abroad. They underwent interviews and security checks before entering the United States. Many have since completed additional background reviews while applying for permanent residency.
Green cards allow refugees to work, travel, and eventually apply for citizenship. Delays can prolong uncertainty for families already rebuilding their lives. Some may face difficulties securing stable employment or qualifying for certain social services.
Moreover, long waits can strain the capacity of agencies managing resettlement. Several organizations support refugees with housing, education, and health care. They warn that prolonged limbo poses emotional and financial challenges.
Wider Political Implications
The decision also carries political weight. Refugee policy has been a defining issue in recent U.S. elections. Supporters of tighter controls argue that stricter vetting protects national security. Opponents say the measures target vulnerable populations and undermine America’s humanitarian commitments.
As the new administration outlines its immigration agenda, the treatment of refugees will remain a central focus. For now, thousands of individuals who arrived under Biden’s government must wait for clarity.
Looking Ahead
It remains unclear how long the expanded screening will take or how many applications are affected. Officials have not released public figures. Yet past data shows that more than 25,000 refugees arrived during some years of the Biden presidency. Even a fraction of that number represents a significant workload for immigration agencies.
Advocates hope for clearer timelines. Government officials have not provided them. Instead, they emphasize that national security reviews will guide the pace of processing.
As the policy unfolds, immigration lawyers expect more updates. They advise refugees to maintain their documentation and remain in contact with legal service providers.
The immediate result, however, is a pause. And for those waiting to secure permanent residency in the United States, that pause may feel long and uncertain.
