Refugee Program Realignment (E.O. 14163)

Summary

Stops the program that lets refugees into the country until it can be changed to better protect national interests and give states more control.

What problem does this solve?

The United States has seen a record number of migrants, which strains resources in cities and towns and raises safety concerns. This order stops the refugee program for now and plans to give states and local areas more power in deciding where refugees are placed.

What does this order do?

Suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

Stops the entry of all refugees into the United States until the President finds that resuming the program is in the country's best interest.

Allows for case-by-case exceptions

Permits the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly decide to let in certain refugees if it is in the national interest and they do not pose a security threat.

Increases state and local involvement in refugee placement

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to create a plan that gives state and local governments more say in where refugees are settled within their areas.

Requires regular reports on the program's status

Mandates the Secretary of Homeland Security to report to the President every 90 days on whether the refugee program should be restarted.

Revokes a previous executive order

Cancels Executive Order 14013 from February 4, 2021, which was aimed at rebuilding and improving programs to resettle refugees.

Who does this affect?

Refugees and asylum seekers
State and local governments
Federal agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Gives states and local areas more control over refugee placement

Requires federal agencies to find ways for state and local governments to have a bigger role in deciding if refugees can be settled in their areas. This helps communities manage their resources and services.

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Reduces overall immigration levels

Suspends the entire refugee admissions program, which is a direct way to lower the number of people legally entering the country. This aligns with a policy of stricter immigration control.

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Prioritizes national resources for citizens over humanitarian aid

States that the U.S. cannot take in large numbers of refugees without hurting the resources available to American citizens. Critics may argue this shifts focus away from the country's humanitarian duties.

When does this start?

The suspension of the refugee program takes effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on January 27, 2025, and includes other deadlines.

Report on resuming the refugee program

Within 90 days of the order, the Secretary of Homeland Security must submit a report on whether to resume the program.