Expanded Detention Powers: Trump's Impact on Refugees

The Trump administration has expanded powers for immigration officers to detain refugees awaiting green cards, as part of its immigration crackdown. A new directive mandates re-vetting after one year, prompting criticism from advocacy groups and legal challenges over its implications on refugees' legal rights.

The Trump administration has widened the scope of immigration officers' authority to include the detention of legal refugees on the path to acquiring green cards, aiming to 're-vet' individuals. This move is part of President Trump's broader efforts to reinforce immigration controls, as revealed in a government memo.

The Department of Homeland Security memo, dated February 18, requires refugees to report for 'inspection and examination' one year post-admission. This policy intends to align the vetting process with that of other applicant groups and enhance public safety, according to DHS.

This policy reversal has sparked backlash from advocacy groups like AfghanEvac and HIAS, who argue it breaches trust with refugees and endangers thousands of lives. With ICE detention numbers soaring under Trump, legal disputes have arisen, with a U.S. judge blocking certain elements of the policy in Minnesota.