Thousands of refugees now stranded around the globe after Trump administration suspends refugee travel until further notice. Picture courtesy: The Guardian
(The Post News)- Refugees who had been approved to come to the United States have had their travel plans cancelled by the Trump administration. The American refugee settlement program was set to be suspended next week however the influx of migrants over the recent years in addition to refugees caused its immediate suspension.
According to the State Department memo to resettlement partners, Special Immigrant Visa holders and those who worked for the United States abroad, are exempted from the immigration clampdown. They can travel to the United States and those who are already in the country will continue to receive services.
“All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. Resettlement Support Centres (RSCs) should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” the memo states, citing the president’s executive order.
The executive order signed by President Trump stated the United States refugee admissions program will be suspended until “the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States.”
The sudden halt on refugee admission is in accord with the Trump administration’s immigration agenda. Its mandate is to minimise entry into the United States to increase public safety and national security.
Thousands of refugees who fled war and persecution in their homelands are left in a predicament. After enduring a sometimes years long vetting process, they are now stranded at various locations worldwide.
This includes more than 1,600 Afghans who assisted America in the war and relatives of active-duty United States military personnel.
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