DHS Announces Additional Security Procedures for Refugees Seeking Resettlement in the U.S.

In October 2017, after a pause in admissions, the Trump administration began accepting new refugees except for those from the 11 countries, citing the need for a 90-day security review. According to the New York Times, officials did not name the countries, but they were widely reported to be Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Mali, North Korea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

DHS announced that refugees from those countries will now be admitted again but with additional security enhancements and recommendations for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). These changes include additional screening for certain nationals from high-risk countries, administering the USRAP in a more “risk-based manner,” and periodic review.

Related Resources

• New York Times: Many Muslim Refugees Will Face Additional Scrutiny Under Trump Plan
• DOS Fact Sheet: Status of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (10/24/17)
• DHS Announces Improved Security Procedures for Refugees Entering the United States (10/24/17)
• Presidential Executive Order 13815 on Resuming the United States Refugee Admissions Program with Enhanced Vetting Capabilities (82 FR 50055, 10/27/17)