Trump Administration Cuts Refugees’ Appeal Window From 30 Days To 10

The Trump administration is shortening the time refugees have to challenge the termination of their legal status in the United States from 30 days to 10, a move critics warn could put tens of thousands of people who fled war and persecution at risk of deportation.

The new policy, which takes effect on Wednesday, is part of a broader effort to overhaul the US refugee resettlement programme, which has provided a pathway to safety for people fleeing persecution for decades.

According to the policy document, the change aims to “mitigate potential risks” associated with people admitted as refugees who were allegedly ineligible for the status.

While the policy does not specify how many refugees could be affected, it explicitly refers to those admitted during former President Joe Biden’s administration, alleging an “alarming erosion of the integrity” of the refugee programme. Refugee advocacy groups dispute that assessment.

The administration is already reviewing the cases of at least 185,000 refugees admitted during Biden’s presidency who have pending green card applications.

Refugee resettlement has historically received bipartisan support in the US. The Refugee Act of 1980, which established the modern refugee admissions framework, was passed with overwhelming congressional backing and introduced a rigorous process for evaluating refugee claims.

Refugee Groups Warn Of Deportation Risks

Refugee advocates and resettlement organisations have criticised the shortened appeal period, arguing that 10 days would not provide sufficient time to secure legal representation, gather evidence and challenge the termination of refugee status.

“These families did everything asked of them,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president of Global Refuge. She noted that refugees undergo interviews, background checks and lengthy waiting periods abroad before receiving approval to enter the US.

Vignarajah said the reduced deadline would leave families with insufficient time to find lawyers, translate documents or obtain records from countries they had fled.

HIAS, a major refugee assistance organisation, warned that the policy could expose people fleeing violence, persecution and displacement to deportation to countries where they could face harm or torture.

“They are trying to upend the core principle that refugee resettlement represents permanent protection,” said Naomi Steinberg, vice president of HIAS.

Church World Service (CWS) also criticised the measure, saying refugees would have “no meaningful opportunity” to respond or appeal before their status was terminated.

“This is a policy designed to facilitate the uprooting and expulsion of members of our communities who fled persecution and were promised safety,” said Danilo Zak, CWS director of policy.

The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The State Department referred questions to DHS.

Trump Administration Reshapes Refugee Resettlement Programme

The policy change comes amid a sweeping overhaul of the US refugee resettlement programme under Trump.

In September, the administration announced plans to cap refugee admissions at 17,500 for 2027, with the majority of places allocated to white South Africans.

During his first term, Trump significantly reduced annual refugee admissions. The Biden administration subsequently expanded the programme and set a target of admitting 125,000 refugees in the final year of his presidency.

After returning to the White House for a second term, Trump suspended the refugee programme, leaving people worldwide who had been approved for resettlement unable to travel to the US. The administration later reopened the programme with admissions largely restricted to white South Africans.

The latest measure further tightens the rules governing refugees already admitted to the country, while the administration continues to review cases from the Biden era.

Refugees And Asylees: What Is The Difference?

Although both refugees and asylees seek protection from persecution in their home countries, the main difference lies in where they apply for protection.

Refugees generally apply for protection while outside the United States, often from refugee camps or transit countries. They undergo screening and processing abroad and are granted refugee status before arriving in the US. After arrival, they can apply for lawful permanent residency, commonly known as a green card.

Asylum seekers, by contrast, request protection at a US port of entry or after entering the country. Their applications may take years to resolve.

An asylee is someone whose asylum claim has been approved while they are in the United States.

The distinction is significant because the new policy concerns the termination of refugee status and the shortened period available to challenge such decisions.