The US Department of Homeland Security said refugees must return to government custody for “inspection and examination” one year after being admitted into the United States, a step intended to ensure they are re-vetted.
Under US law, refugees must apply for permanent resident status after one year.
The new memo authorizes immigration authorities to detain individuals during the re-inspection process, reversing a 2010 policy that discouraged detention for failure to obtain permanent residency.
Advocacy groups have sharply criticized the move. AfghanEvac president Shawn VanDiver called it “a reckless reversal of long-standing policy,” while HIAS warned it could cause “grave harm” to thousands of refugees.
The policy change comes as ICE detention numbers reach roughly 68,000 under President Trump, up about 75% since he took office. A recent federal ruling temporarily blocked a similar policy targeting 5,600 lawful refugees in Minnesota.
Federal judges have expressed concern that additional arrests for re-vetting may violate multiple statutes, highlighting the legal and humanitarian debate surrounding the administration’s new directive.
Goodness Anunobi
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