Refugee Numbers Down, Even as Ban Lifted

In late October, Trump lifted the temporary ban on most admissions of refugees to the United States. You might think that the move would’ve opened the flood gates to a record number of refugees entering the country. However, State Department records indicate that in the five-week period after the travel ban was lifted, there was a 40% decrease in the number of refugees admitted to the U.S. This is probably because even as he lifted the temporary ban, he instituted stricter vetting rules and effectively stopped all admissions of refugees from 11 countries that he has designated as high risk. Unfortunately, these vetting rules have been far more effective in decreasing refugee admissions to the country than the travel ban. Furthermore, the percentage of Muslim refugees being admitted as shrunk from about one quarter of all refugees to less than 10%. As for the Trump administration, its claim is that the new extreme vetting procedures were necessary security measures for preventing terrorist attacks on U.S. citizens. Supporters of the security rules also contend that more stringent vetting rules will only strengthen the refugee program and prevent fraud in the program. The new security rules require refugees to submit ten years of biographical information, rather than the previously required five years and place a program geared toward family reunification on hold. Refugees from 11 countries also must have a detailed threat analysis and review completed, and will be admitted on a case-by-case basis. Over the last three years, refugees from these countries made up more than 40% of all refugees. Although nine of the eleven selected countries are primarily Muslim, many of the immigrants seeking refuge in the U.S. are religious minorities being persecuted in their home countries, such as Jews and Catholics. No matter the outcome of the travel ban litigation, the skilled and knowledgeable immigration lawyers of Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C. are here to get detained immigrants released and defend them against removal from the country. We handle these types of cases on a regular basis and have valuable knowledge about how to best represent your interests, based on your individual circumstances. By contacting our office right away, you will place yourself in the best position possible to have loved ones released from detention and defend again potential removal from home and family.