Washington, D.C., January 23, 2025 – The Europe Today: U.S. President Donald Trump has taken decisive steps to address immigration, including halting the arrival of refugees already cleared to enter the country and deploying 1,500 additional troops to the southern border, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
“President Trump signed an executive order for 1,500 additional troops for the United States’ southern border,” Leavitt announced during a briefing on Wednesday, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to border security.
In a parallel move, the State Department issued a directive on Monday suspending refugee admissions to the U.S. effective January 27. An internal memo instructed the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) to halt the relocation of refugees to transit centers and cease processing cases. Scheduled travel for refugees has also been canceled.
Refugees already resettled in the U.S. will continue to receive support services as planned. However, Trump’s executive order seeks a review of the refugee program, focusing on granting “greater involvement” to states and local jurisdictions and revoking former President Joe Biden’s policy of considering climate change impacts in refugee admissions.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reinforced the administration’s hardline stance, stating, “The State Department will no longer undertake any activities that facilitate or encourage mass migration.” Rubio highlighted a shift in U.S. diplomatic priorities, particularly within the Western Hemisphere, to secure borders and repatriate undocumented immigrants.
The Biden administration had championed refugee resettlement, with more than 100,000 refugees admitted in the 2024 fiscal year—the highest number in three decades. Many arrivals hailed from conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Myanmar.
Democratic leaders have expressed sharp criticism of Trump’s actions. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, described the refugee program as “a core American value” and a bipartisan tool that has historically provided safety to vulnerable populations while promoting global stability.
Shaheen also raised concerns over the fate of Afghan nationals eligible for resettlement through a separate program. While the State Department memo confirmed the program remains active, canceled flights have left many in limbo.
In a broader effort to crack down on immigration enforcement resistance, Acting Attorney General Emi Bove instructed federal prosecutors to identify and potentially take legal action against state and local policies that obstruct federal immigration initiatives. A Justice Department memo underscored the importance of aligning state and local activities with federal enforcement, citing risks to public safety and national security.
Trump’s moves mark a significant pivot in U.S. immigration policy, targeting both illegal immigration and legal pathways such as refugee resettlement. These measures have sparked debate over the balance between national security and America’s historic role as a haven for those fleeing persecution.
