- The United States Government has announced the suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
- The suspension will impact refugee travel (for those already approved) and case processing (for those waiting for their USCIS interview or their USCIS decision).
- UNHCR is awaiting further guidance from the U.S. government regarding the impact of this new order on refugees currently in the process of resettlement to the United States. More information will be shared once we receive it.
- UNHCR advises all refugees whose cases were submitted by UNHCR to the USRAP not to make any major life changes based on anticipated resettlement. For example, do not leave employment, leave school or sell belongings or property in preparation of resettlement. Please make sure you are in possession of valid UNHCR documentation. Please be careful and alert to possible scams and/or fraudulent messages or offers. Unscrupulous actors may seek to take advantage of this situation and try to exploit you or your community members by offering false promises of [expedited] resettlement in exchange for money, services, or other favours. Always keep in mind:
- The suspension of the USRAP applies to all refugees who have been submitted for refugee resettlement to the United States, at all stages of processing, so do not believe anyone who tells you they can help you depart your host country more quickly or expedite your case. This is not true. Always verify information with UNHCR before taking any action.
- If your USRAP case was submitted by a sponsor, please be aware that sponsors are not able to help you depart your host country more quickly or expedite your case.
- Do not trust any messages related to the status of your resettlement case or your travel unless officially communicated by the U.S. Government, or authorized staff of UNHCR, IOM. In case of any doubt, please contact your local UNHCR office.
- Stay connected and maintain open communication with UNHCR to obtain the latest updates as and when they become available.
- The suspension of the USRAP applies to all refugees who have been submitted for refugee resettlement to the United States, at all stages of processing, so do not believe anyone who tells you they can help you depart your host country more quickly or expedite your case. This is not true. Always verify information with UNHCR before taking any action.
- Remember that all UNHCR services are free of charge, including all resettlement services.
- Additional information about the USRAP suspension (and your specific case) will be shared as it becomes available. You do not need to take any action at this time.
- UNHCR encourages all refugees who may be subject to the USRAP suspension to remain in close contact with your local UNHCR office regarding any immediate and urgent protection and assistance needs, and to respect the laws of the host countries which continue to generously provide safety and asylum.
If you have any additional questions and have an active resettlement case in the USA pipeline, you can contact UNHCR through: [email protected]. Alternatively, you can meet UNHCR staff at the UNHCR Registration Office in Vikaspuri on Wednesday between 9.30 AM and 4.30 PM. Please note that case specific in-person counseling at Vikaspuri will only be provided once every three months.
If you have any immediate and urgent protection needs, please contact UNHCR at [email protected] or continue to reach out to the respective partners in your locations.