On January 20, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive rescinding “sensitive” zone policies, which have long shielded schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and other critical spaces from immigration enforcement actions. These policies have ensured that individuals—regardless of their immigration status—can access education, healthcare, and religious services without fear. Their removal not […]
Category: Statement
The Administration Suspends Humanitarian Protection Programs
On January 28, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) took the first steps in implementing the Administration’s executive order directing the termination of all categorical humanitarian parole programs. “Humanitarian parole” allows individuals outside of the United States to enter the United States on a temporary basis due to an urgent humanitarian need, such as a […]
Administration Revokes Protections for Venezuelans
The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is dismayed by the Administration’s revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela. Just weeks ago, on January 10, 2025, an extension for TPS was announced, and on January 17, 2025, it was published to the Federal Register—only to be abruptly rescinded. TPS is a lifesaving humanitarian […]
U.S. Department of State Abandons U.S. Responsibility for Safely Resettling Refugees
On January 24, the U.S. Department of State ordered the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants to stop all work performed under its Reception and Placement grant for refugee resettlement. Other organizations received similar notices. This “stop work” order from the State Department is a devastating development for refugees who are already in the United […]
USCRI Summary of January 20 Executive Orders
On January 20, 2025, the White House released a series of Executive Orders that regress the immigration system with immediate impact on refugees and immigrants. The new orders display a renouncement of the United State’s role as a stronghold of safety and protection for the displaced. The following is a summary of six Executive Orders […]
USCRI Concerned About Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement, Urges the Administration to Prevent Climate-Induced Displacement
The Administration’s decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement will exacerbate the climate emergency. As temperatures rise and large swathes of land become unhabitable, more and more people will be driven from their homes, forced to seek safety elsewhere. For the increasing numbers of people who will find themselves fleeing climate-related environmental disasters, there […]
USCRI Condemns the Administration’s Move to End Birthright Citizenship, Denying Equal Rights for Children
On January 20, the Administration directed the U.S. government to stop issuing U.S. citizenship documents, including passports, to children born to parents who are in the United States unlawfully or temporarily. Executive Order “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” ends U.S. birthright citizenship and is set to strip nationality rights from children who […]
Proclamation “Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion” Bars Asylum Seekers and Others from Entry at the Southern Border
On January 20, the Administration declared an “invasion” of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. The Proclamation allows the Administration to suspend the physical entry of individuals into the United States across the southern border. As part of the Proclamation, the Administration signaled that it would halt asylum applications and other forms of relief for individuals […]
The Administration Stops Temporary Humanitarian Protection Pathway for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans
On January 20, the Administration terminated the CHNV humanitarian parole program, ending a program that granted temporary humanitarian protection to Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals with U.S.-based sponsors. Executive Order “Securing Our Borders” leaves open the possibility for the Secretary of Homeland Security to terminate other parole programs. Furthermore, Executive Order “Protecting the American […]
USCRI Denounces Resumption of the Migrant Protection Protocols: A Cruel Abandonment of Asylum Seekers in Mexico
On January 20, the Administration announced that asylum seekers arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border would again be required to wait in Mexico while their asylum cases were processed in the United States. This policy will take effect “as soon as practicable,” creating uncertainty for asylum seekers in Mexico. This change signals a return to Migrant […]