Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Effort to Suspend U.S. Refugee Program, Citing Overreach of Executive Power

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s attempt to indefinitely suspend the U.S. refugee program, ruling that the president overstepped his executive authority by abruptly halting the program. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead, in Seattle, ruled in favour of a coalition of refugee advocacy groups who had challenged Trump’s actions. The judge acknowledged that the president had significant discretion under federal law regarding refugee admissions but emphasized that this power has limits, particularly when it contradicts Congress’s established framework.
Whitehead issued a preliminary injunction, citing the potential for “irreparable harm” caused by the suspension, including refugees left stranded after selling their belongings, agencies laying off staff, and halted family reunifications. Trump had paused the program after taking office, citing concerns about ensuring that refugees “appropriately assimilate” and that taxpayer funds were not misused. He also called for reports every 90 days to review whether the program should resume.
The suspension led to the cancellation of travel for refugees worldwide, including 1,660 Afghans, and the freezing of funds for U.S. organizations assisting refugees. The lawsuit was filed by nine refugees and U.S.-based family members, including a family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, whose flight was canceled after they had sold their possessions and given up their home.
The lawsuit argued that the suspension was unlawful and asked the court to restore refugee-related funding. Several resettlement groups, including Church World Service and HIAS, joined the challenge. A lawyer for the plaintiffs argued that Trump’s move could not override the law.
The Justice Department signaled it might appeal the ruling. As the case progresses, questions remain about how the Trump administration will respond. Some, like Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, worry the administration will ignore the ruling, as it did with another decision involving foreign aid. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, supported by both parties historically, has resettled more than 3 million refugees since the 1980 Refugee Act.
In 2017, courts also intervened in a legal battle against Trump’s ban on refugees from Muslim-majority countries. During his first term, Trump reduced the annual refugee admission cap to a historic low of 15,000, causing cuts to resettlement organizations. President Joe Biden restored the program, resettling more than 100,000 refugees in fiscal year 2024. Trump’s legal team maintained that his actions were within his authority.