Key Takeaways:

• The Trump administration has suspended the travel of refugees cleared for resettlement in the U.S., affecting thousands globally.
• Among those impacted are over 1,600 Afghans who assisted U.S. military efforts and awaited resettlement.
• This sudden decision follows an executive order restricting the refugee resettlement program.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has announced the suspension of all travel for refugees who had been approved to enter the United States prior to a recently imposed deadline. As a result, thousands of refugees are now stranded in various countries worldwide, many of whom fled from war and persecution.

This restrictive measure particularly affects over 1,600 Afghan nationals who were integral in assisting the U.S. military efforts during the war in Afghanistan. They had been cleared for resettlement as part of a program initiated following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The last-minute cancellation has left these individuals in a state of uncertainty, with many already having made extensive preparations to relocate to the U.S.

President Trump ordered the suspension as part of a series of immigration executive orders, intending to halt the refugee resettlement program. An email disclosed to the Associated Press confirmed that “refugee arrivals to the United States have been suspended until further notice.” This decision contradicts earlier announcements that had allowed for some refugees to travel if they had scheduled flights before the order's enforcement.

According to a document reviewed by the Associated Press, a little over 10,000 refugees worldwide were anticipating travel to the United States in the coming weeks after undergoing a rigorous vetting process—often spanning years—from when they initially sought resettlement.

Many veterans and advocacy groups have expressed horror at the abrupt halt, emphasizing the moral obligation to protect Afghan allies. “The Trump administration’s early pause of refugee flights is alarming,” stated Shawn VanDiver, head of a coalition supporting Afghan resettlement efforts. “We are ready to partner to fix this and urge clear communication with impacted families. Let’s honor our promises and uphold America’s values.”

While the State Department initially suggested that a week would be given before processing and travel were halted, the timing of this suspension was unexpectedly advanced. The agency has not clarified the reasons for this early enforcement.

As American communities prepare to receive vetted refugees, many advocate that these individuals represent a crucial demographic requiring support and protection. “Refugees go through one of the most rigorous vetting processes in the world, and many are now seeing their travel canceled just days before they were set to begin their new lives,” commented Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, head of Global Refuge, a U.S. resettlement agency.

This sudden travel ban highlights the complex dynamics surrounding U.S. immigration policy, especially affecting those fleeing violence and persecution. The refugee resettlement program, which has historically found bipartisan support, now faces renewed scrutiny as advocates demand accountability and clarity for those affected by this abrupt decision.

This news report was supported by AP News, LA Times, and SFGate.