Trump Administration Orders ICE to Detain Refugees Without Green Cards After One Year
The Trump administration has issued a new directive instructing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain refugees who were lawfully admitted to the United States but have not obtained permanent residency (a green card) within one year of arrival.
Dated February 18 and obtained by CBS News, the federal court filing expands ICE’s authority to detain refugees who remain legally present in the U.S. but have not yet formalized permanent resident status.
Refugees are individuals granted protection in the U.S. after proving they face persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Traditionally, the U.S. has resettled tens of thousands of refugees each year, with extensive vetting prior to arrival.
The report also notes that the administration has significantly reduced the U.S. refugee resettlement program, maintaining only limited exceptions — including some Afrikaner refugees identified by officials as fleeing racial persecution in South Africa.
Key Implications
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Increased enforcement on refugees legally admitted but without permanent residency.
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Stricter immigration scrutiny for both legal and undocumented immigrants.
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Further reductions in U.S. refugee resettlement capacity and intake.
