US policy change may arrest refugees waiting for green cards in Minnesota

Refugees in the US may now be arrested and detained while waiting for their green cards. This is a big change from the old rules.
By Newsroom | US Policy, Immigration |

Recent policy changes from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may permit the arrest and detention of individuals who have already been admitted to the United States as refugees. This shift follows a new directive that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to detain refugees while their applications for permanent residency, known as green cards, are being reviewed. The policy, outlined in a memo filed in federal court, marks a departure from previous practices, raising concerns among refugee advocacy groups and prompting legal challenges.

The unfolding situation centers on the Trump administration's renewed focus on immigration enforcement, specifically targeting refugees already present in the U.S. The policy allows for the detention of refugees who have not obtained a green card within one year of their arrival. This comes after the DHS initiated investigations into thousands of refugees in Minnesota who had not yet secured permanent resident status.

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Policy Change and Its Implications

A recent memo from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signals a significant change in how refugees admitted to the U.S. are treated after their initial arrival.

Refugees in the U.S. could be arrested under new immigration memo - 1

  • Conditional Admission: The memo states that refugee admission to the United States is conditional and subject to a mandatory review after one year.

  • Detention During Review: Refugees who have not obtained a green card after this one-year period may be placed in immigration detention for the duration of the inspection and examination process.

  • Shift from Previous Policy: This differs from prior policy, where failure to obtain a green card within a year was not a basis for detention or removal. Previously, refugees arrested under such circumstances were typically released within 48 hours or initiated removal proceedings.

  • "Operation PARRIS": The policy appears linked to an initiative called "Operation PARRIS," which has reportedly targeted around 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who had not yet become permanent residents. This operation involves re-examining refugee cases through new background checks and verification.

  • Cited Rationale: The administration argues these measures are intended to address national security and public safety concerns and to close "security gaps" by ensuring complete post-admission vetting of refugees. The directive is also described as an effort to fully implement requirements of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 209.

The new policy is facing immediate pushback from refugee assistance organizations and is the subject of ongoing legal disputes.

  • Federal Lawsuit in Minnesota: The DHS memo was filed as part of an ongoing lawsuit in Minnesota federal court. This case challenges the re-vetting, arrest, and detention of refugees who have not yet received a green card.

  • Temporary Block: A judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from targeting an estimated 5,600 lawful refugees in Minnesota who are awaiting green cards, in relation to this policy.

  • Concerns from Judges: Federal judges have reportedly expressed concern that these additional arrests for re-vetting may violate multiple statutes.

  • Advocacy Group Criticism: Organizations like the International Refugee Assistance Project are actively challenging the new policy. Refugee groups have condemned the move, stating it could re-traumatize individuals who have already endured significant hardship.

Administration's Stance and Historical Context

The Trump administration has maintained that the policy is a necessary step for security and to ensure the integrity of the refugee admission process.

  • Security Concerns: The administration argues its efforts are designed to mitigate national security and public safety concerns involving some refugees.

  • Re-examination of Cases: The policy is part of a broader effort to re-examine the cases of refugees, including those admitted under previous administrations. Notably, a memo from November 2025 indicated a review of all Biden-era refugees in the U.S., with claims that the prior administration prioritized admission numbers over security screening.

  • Reduced Admissions: It is noted that the Trump administration had previously largely halted refugee admissions, setting the annual cap at 7,500 during its second term, a significantly lower figure than historically allowed.

Evidence of Policy Implementation

Several sources confirm the existence and nature of the new DHS directive and related enforcement actions.

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  • DHS Memo: The policy is formally communicated through a DHS memo filed in federal court in Minnesota. This memo explicitly states that refugees may be placed in immigration detention during the inspection and examination process for green card applications.

  • USCIS Investigation: Prior to the memo's public disclosure, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) had launched an investigation into 5,600 refugees in Minnesota who had not yet received their green cards, subsequently referring cases to ICE.

  • "Operation PARRIS": This initiative is identified as the operation targeting these refugees for re-examination, involving new background checks and verification of refugee claims.

  • Reversal of Obama-era Policy: The current memo effectively reverses a 2010 Obama administration policy that held that failure to apply for a green card within a year was not sufficient grounds for arrest or detention.

Broader Enforcement Landscape

This policy shift operates within a wider context of the administration's intensified immigration enforcement efforts.

  • ICE Authority: The new directive specifically expands ICE's ability to detain legal refugees.

  • Statutory Basis: The memo references federal court decisions that recognize DHS's authority to detain unadjusted refugees pending admissibility determinations.

  • Green Card Requirement: Under U.S. law, refugees are required to apply for permanent resident status (a green card) after being in the country for at least one year.

  • Security Rationale: The administration cites security concerns as the primary justification for granting ICE broader powers in this area.

Conclusion and Outstanding Questions

The recent DHS memo represents a substantial alteration to U.S. refugee policy, potentially enabling the arrest and detention of individuals already granted refuge. The policy's stated aim is to enhance national security through more rigorous post-admission vetting. However, this directive has ignited significant controversy. Refugee advocacy groups contend it will cause undue suffering and re-traumatization for individuals fleeing persecution. Furthermore, the policy is facing legal scrutiny, with a temporary block already in place for a targeted group of refugees in Minnesota. The long-term legal and humanitarian ramifications of this policy remain under examination. Key questions persist regarding:

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  • The scope and ultimate reach of "Operation PARRIS" and similar initiatives beyond Minnesota.

  • The precise criteria used for detaining refugees during the inspection process.

  • The administration's definition of "security concerns" as applied to this policy.

  • The legal challenges that will ensue from refugee and immigrant rights organizations.

  • The potential impact on the perception and reception of refugees globally.

Sources:

Note: KPBS link from the original data was excluded due to its publication date (November 26, 2025) preceding the more recent articles on this specific policy change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new US policy about refugees?
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a new rule that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest and hold refugees. This happens while they wait for their green cards to be approved. This is a change from how things were done before.
Q: Who is affected by this new US refugee policy?
This policy affects refugees who have already been let into the US but have not yet received their green cards. In Minnesota, about 5,600 refugees are part of an investigation related to this policy. They might be detained if they don't get their green card within one year of arriving.
Q: Why has the US changed its policy on detaining refugees?
The government says this new policy is to help with national security and public safety. They want to make sure all refugees are checked carefully after they arrive in the US. They believe there were security gaps before.
Q: What is happening in Minnesota because of this policy?
In Minnesota, ICE started looking into about 5,600 refugees who had not gotten their green cards after one year. A judge has put a temporary stop on arresting these refugees. This is because a lawsuit is happening to challenge the new policy.
Q: What did judges and refugee groups say about this new policy?
Some judges have worried that arresting refugees for re-checking might break laws. Refugee groups are against this change. They say it could hurt people who have already been through a lot and make them feel unsafe again.