Refugees’ Flights to US Canceled Amid Trump’s Suspension of Refugee Admissions
A State Department memo obtained by CNN reveals that flights for approximately 10,000 refugees have been canceled, marking a significant impact of President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions. The memo states that all previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being canceled, and no new travel bookings will be made, citing the president’s executive order.
The cancellations come as a blow to refugees who had already undergone a lengthy and often cumbersome process, with some facing the possibility of having their medical exams or security checks expire. The memo also suspends case processing, effectively shuttering the program.
However, Special Immigrant Visa holders, including those who worked for the US abroad, are exempt from the suspension and can continue to travel to the United States. Refugees already in the US can also continue to receive services.
The suspension of the US refugee admissions program is set to take effect immediately, according to the memo, which implies that it takes effect on January 27, the date specified in Trump’s executive order. The order stated that the US was unable to absorb the influx of migrants and refugees over recent years, leading to the suspension of the program until further notice.