Refugee backers challenge Trump suspension of US resettlement program

Source: Reuters

February 10, 2025 9:10 PM EST Updated 10 hours ago


WASHINGTON, Feb 10 (Reuters) - A coalition of U.S. refugee backers filed a lawsuit on Monday that challenges President Donald Trump's indefinite suspension of the U.S. resettlement program, saying refugees and their families face irreparable harm if it is allowed to remain in effect.

The legal challenge, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington State, argues that Trump exceeded his executive authority by abruptly shutting down the program and freezing funding to aid refugees already in the United States. The lawsuit cites the possibility of serious harm to refugees and calls on the court to "restore the important and historic American tradition of protecting and aiding people fleeing persecution."

Trump, a Republican, immediately paused refugee resettlement after taking office on January 20, saying the program must ensure that refugees admitted to the U.S. "appropriately assimilate" and that taxpayer resources are not wasted. He called for the secretaries of Homeland Security and State to submit a report within 90 days to determine if it should be restarted.

The sudden shutdown meant refugees across the globe had their scheduled travel to the U.S. canceled, including 1,660 Afghans cleared to resettle. Days later, funds for U.S. groups that assist refugees already in the country were frozen as part of a larger pause on foreign aid.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/refugee-backers-challenge-trump-suspension-us-resettlement-program-2025-02-10/