Refugees who were scheduled to travel to the United States after a years-long and often cumbersome process have had their flights canceled, according to a State Department memo to resettlement partners obtained by CNN, CNN reports
The memo comes as a result of President Trumps executive orders, which suspends all recent movement of refugees to the United States.
“All previously scheduled travel of refugees to the United States is being cancelled, and no new travel bookings will be made. RSCs should not request travel for any additional refugee cases at this time,” the memo states, citing the president’s executive order.
Approximately 10,000 refugees had their travel canceled, This development could be particularly troubling for refugees whose medical exams or security checks are approaching expiration.
The memo also states that case processing is suspended, effectively shuttering the program.
“Additionally, all refugee case processing and pre-departure activities are also suspended. RSCs and IOM should not move refugees to transit centers in anticipation of travel and should halt all pre-departure activities for refugee cases. No new referrals should be made into the USRAP,” the memo continues.
However, Special Immigrant Visa holders, which includes those who worked for the US abroad, are exempt, According to the memo, they can travel to the United States, . Refugees who are already in the United States can also continue to receive services.
According to Trump’s executive order, which he signed Monday, the United States was unable to absorb the influx of migrants over the recent years in addition to refugees, giving way to the administration suspending the US refugee admissions program “until such time as the further entry into the United States of refugees aligns with the interests of the United States.”
The suspension was to take effect on January 27, according to the order. The memo implies that it takes effect immediately.
