By FARNOUSH AMIRI and REBECCA SANTANA, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration has canceled the travel plans of refugees who were approved to come to the United States before the Jan. 27 deadline that suspended America’s refugee resettlement program. This decision has left thousands of refugees stranded at various locations around the globe.

The suspension was part of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday, which indicated that individuals who had completed the refugee approval process and had flights booked before the deadline might still be able to enter the U.S. However, in an email obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, the U.S. agency overseeing refugee processing and arrival stated that “refugee arrivals to the United States have been suspended until further notice.”

One of the groups affected by this decision is the more than 1,600 Afghans who were cleared to resettle in the U.S. through a program established by the Biden administration following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. This includes individuals who worked alongside U.S. soldiers during the war and family members of active-duty military personnel.

Initially, Trump’s order had set Jan. 27 as the deadline for halting all processing and traveling. However, it now appears that the timeline outlined in the order has been expedited, although the reason for this change remains unclear.

It’s important to note that refugees differ from individuals who arrive at the U.S.-Mexico border with the intention of seeking asylum. Refugees must be living outside the U.S. to be considered for resettlement and are typically referred to the State Department by the United Nations. They undergo rigorous screening before being admitted to the U.S. and are often supported by resettlement agencies to help them adjust to life in America, find employment, and enroll their children in school.

Originally Published: January 22, 2025 at 7:48 AM MST