U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono, along with other Senate members, has formally expressed opposition to the halt of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in a letter addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The senators expressed concerns over an indefinite refugee ban and a funding freeze that has paused refugee processing, stranding tens of thousands of people in hazardous situations while cutting off support for recently resettled refugees in the U.S.
“As you know, the USRAP was established on a bipartisan basis by the Refugee Act of 1980 and is a strong public-private partnership that drives U.S. economic growth, advances global stability and peace, and supports our national security and diplomatic priorities,” noted the senators in their letter. They emphasized that over the years, refugees have contributed significantly to the economy and nation-building efforts.
An executive order by President Trump suspended the USRAP indefinitely with plans for a review after 90 days. Following a federal court's preliminary injunction to resume refugee processing, the State Department issued termination notices to resettlement agencies, attempting to bypass this court order. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a funding freeze but required the continuation of resettlement for refugees approved before January 20, 2025.
The senators called for Secretary Rubio and Secretary Noem to comply fully with court orders, resume refugee processing, and ensure that canceled travel for refugees is rebooked. They highlighted the severe consequences of these policies, particularly for Afghan allies stranded without legal status, subject to harassment and potential deportation.
The letter, also signed by numerous other senators, demands clarification regarding the suspension's impact and the status of the resettlement system. They have urged the immediate restart of USRAP to uphold America's commitment to humanitarian protection.
“This life-saving program needs to restart,” the senators insisted, requesting an update on various aspects of the program, including travel arrangements, protections for vulnerable individuals, and program reimbursements. The letter concludes with a request for responses by April 10, 2025.