CNN
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Refugees who were scheduled to travel to the United States after a long and often tedious process have had their flights canceled, according to a State Department memo to resettlement partners obtained by CNN.
The memo follows President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions and is another example of the rapid impact his actions are already having. This decision risks affecting thousands of refugees whose flights were already scheduled.
“All previously planned refugee travel to the United States is canceled and no new travel reservations will be made. RSCs should not request travel for additional refugee cases at this time,” the memo said, citing the executive order.
Cancellations could be of particular concern for refugees whose medical exams or security checks, for example, are about to expire.
The note also indicates that processing of files is suspended, thus terminating the program.
“In addition, all processing of refugee files and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in preparation for travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made to USRAP,” the memo continues.
Special immigrant visa holders, which include those who have worked for the United States abroad, are exempt. They can travel to the United States, according to the memo. Refugees already in the United States can also continue to receive services.
CNN contacted the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration for comment.
Trump’s executive order, which he signed Monday, said the United States was unable to absorb the influx of migrants in recent years in addition to refugees, leading the administration to suspend the U.S. program admission of refugees “until new entries are authorized”. the entry of refugees into the United States is in the interests of the United States. »
The suspension was to take effect Jan. 27, according to the order. The memo implies that it takes effect immediately.
The situation at the U.S. southern border is separate from the decades-old refugee program that provides an extensive screening process for overseas refugees seeking resettlement in the United States. But the crackdown on refugees is consistent with the government’s immigration agenda, which seeks to limit entry into the United States on the basis of public and national security.
This story has been updated with additional reporting.