Monique Merrill, Kendra Leon Barrionuevo, CNS, February 25, 2025
“An govt order reducing funding to the nation’s refugee resettlement program and pausing refugee admissions hit a roadblock after a federal choose dominated from the bench Tuesday in Seattle. The manager order, “Realigning the USA Refugee Admissions Program,” was certainly one of dozens Trump signed shortly after taking workplace in January. Beneath the chief order, refugee admissions have come to a halt, leaving some refugees in the course of the method stranded and organizations that assist resettle refugees with out funding. On Feb. 10, three faith-based refugee help businesses and 9 particular person plaintiffs sued the administration, arguing the suspension violates Congress’ authority to make immigration legal guidelines. The help businesses mentioned they’ve but to be reimbursed for hundreds of thousands of {dollars} the State Division owes them for work within the late months of final yr. U.S. District Choose Jamal N. Whitehead, a Joe Biden appointee, sided with the refugees and assist organizations. “To make sure, the president has substantial discretion to droop refugee admissions, however that authority isn’t limitless,” Whitehead mentioned after ruling from the bench.”
