Donald Trump’s administration halts refugee flights to US; thousands stranded

Flights for refugees slated to travel to the United States have been cancelled, as per a State Department memo sent to resettlement partners. This decision stems from an executive order suspending refugee admissions, signed by President Donald Trump.

The directive has disrupted travel plans for around 10,000 refugees, with no immediate solution in sight.

The memo outlines that no new travel bookings will be made, and all pre-departure activities, including case processing, are now suspended.

Thousands stuck in transit

Refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among those impacted. Many had already completed medical exams and security checks, which are now at risk of expiring

Also Read : Invincible Season 3 to premiere on this date: Breaking Bad, Marvel, DC stars join the cast

A significant number of Afghan refugees currently in third-party countries like Qatar and Pakistan, where they were awaiting relocation to the US, are now stranded. It is not clear what is going to happen to those people, a government official told CNN, adding that they could be stuck for a long time.

The suspension exempts Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, primarily those who worked with the US abroad. Refugees already in the US will continue to receive services, but for others, the situation remains precarious.

Advocacy groups such as #AfghanEvac have raised concerns over the safety of thousands of Afghan refugees, including women pilots and families of US troops. The coalition highlighted that the move endangers thousands who risked their lives for US missions.

Broader immigration policies

This suspension aligns with the administration’s broader immigration policies aimed at limiting entry into the US under the premise of national security. The programme, which has historically facilitated refugee resettlement, is now uncertain.

Also Read : iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025: Taylor Swift, Morgan Wallen lead nominations – Full list inside

Under the previous Joe Biden administration policies, the refugee admission cap was set at 1,25,000 annually, demonstrating a stark contrast in priorities.

FAQs

Who is affected by the cancellation of flights?
Refugees from various countries, including Afghanistan, Syria and the Democratic Republic of Congo, are affected. Around 10,000 people with confirmed travel plans have had their flights cancelled.

Are any refugees exempt from this suspension?
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, including those who worked with the US government, are exempt from the suspension and can still travel to the US.