WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a memo directing federal immigration agents to detain and rescreen refugees who have not obtained green cards. The following is a quote from Jennie Murray, President and CEO of the National Immigration Forum:
“This directive diverts personnel and resources to reassess one of the most vetted groups of people in the country. Our government is traumatizing individuals who complied with every requirement to enter lawfully and who have already demonstrated a credible and well-founded fear of persecution in the countries they fled.
“In an overloaded and backlogged system, targeting people who already have been cleared is not the answer. Re-reviewing refugees who are already safely resettled is unnecessary, disruptive and contrary to America’s core principles.
“Refugee resettlement has long been an essential instrument that enhances our national security, strengthens our economy and upholds human dignity. Major changes to the resettlement program under the current administration have slowed refugee admissions to a trickle and are keeping the most vulnerable from accessing protection.”
Faith organizations, including evangelical resettlement agency World Relief, are also weighing in with concerns about the policy.