On January 22, 2025, the Trump administration announced the cancellation of flights for refugees who had been slated to travel to the United States, following a memo from the State Department obtained by CNN. The memo indicated that all previously arranged travel for refugees is being halted, and no new travel reservations will be processed. This decision is a direct consequence of President Donald Trump’s recent executive order suspending refugee admissions, which is expected to leave thousands of refugees stranded.
The memo stated, “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”. This suspension could create significant challenges for refugees whose medical evaluations or security screenings are nearing expiration.
Despite these cancellations, holders of Special Immigrant Visas—individuals who served alongside U.S. forces—are exempt from this order and are still permitted to travel to the United States. Refugees already in the U.S. will continue to have access to services.
This decision has drawn criticism and concern from various stakeholders involved in refugee resettlement. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are anticipated as more information becomes available.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/refugee-flights-canceled/index.html
[2] https://apnews.com/article/refugees-flights-trump-immigration-border-resettlement-33ebaa34bc4d0c069a22ee7aa5f8ff6d
[3] https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/trump-administration-cancels-travel-refugees-cleared-resettle-us-117976709
[4] https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/22/politics/refugee-flights-canceled/index.html
[5] https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/WC193
[6] https://ktvz.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2025/01/22/flights-canceled-for-refugees-who-were-slated-to-travel-to-us/
[7] https://spcollege.libguides.com/c.php?g=254319&p=1695316
[8] https://www.accc.gov.au/system/files/ACCC+commissioned+report+-+The+impact+of+digital+platforms+on+news+and+journalistic+content,+Centre+for+Media+Transition+(2).pdf
[9] https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-administration-cancels-travel-for-refugees-already-cleared-to-resettle-in-the-u-s
[10] https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-write-quote-research-news-story-richard-berks
[11] https://guides.library.illinois.edu/periodicals/article