NEW DELHI: The Trump administration on Wednesday cancelled travel plans and flights for thousands of refugees who had already been cleared to resettle in the United States.
The decision comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions, highlighting the swift and immediate impact of the policy. The move affects around 10,000 refugees who had completed a years-long vetting process and were set to travel to the US.
“All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” the memo states, citing Trump’s executive order.
According to CNN, the cancellations pose significant challenges for refugees whose medical exams or security clearances are nearing expiration, which may require them to restart the process.
The memo also suspends all case processing and pre-departure activities, effectively freezing the US refugee resettlement program. “Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in anticipation of travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made into the USRAP,” the memo adds.
However, the order exempts Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including those who have worked for the US abroad, allowing them to travel to the country. Refugees already in the US can continue to receive services, the memo notes.
This marks one of the most immediate consequences of the Trump administration’s controversial executive order, which has drawn criticism from human rights groups and refugee advocates worldwide.
