The Trump administration is intensifying its immigration crackdown, now targeting legal immigration pathways alongside its efforts to curb illegal immigration.
These measures, which include suspending refugee admissions, halting humanitarian parole programs, and restricting legal entry opportunities, have sparked significant debate.
Restrictions on Refugee Admissions
Hours after taking office, President Trump indefinitely paused the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. This program, designed to admit individuals fleeing persecution, was halted for review under the directive that it would resume only if deemed “in the interests of the United States.”
The suspension left over 22,000 refugees—who had already undergone extensive vetting over 18–24 months—stranded overseas. The administration also directed resettlement agencies to stop using certain federal funds, limiting critical services for refugees already in the U.S.
Trump defended the move, arguing that refugee admissions place a strain on American communities. However, critics, including Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president of Global Refuge, called the decision a betrayal of bipartisan commitments to protect vulnerable populations.
Humanitarian Parole Programs Halted
The administration has also ceased the use of humanitarian parole, a policy that allows temporary entry for foreign nationals facing urgent situations. Programs affected include:
- Uniting for Ukraine: This Biden-era policy admitted approximately 240,000 Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion. The new directive halts entry for new applicants and blocks renewals for those already in the U.S.
- Afghan Evacuees: Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, over 70,000 Afghans were paroled into the U.S. Many have since gained legal status, but the new restrictions could jeopardize the status of others.
- Sponsorship Initiatives: Programs allowing Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans to enter under sponsorship are now suspended, impacting over 530,000 migrants.
The Trump administration argues that these parole programs were improperly expanded under the Biden administration, exceeding the intended scope of the policy.
CBP One App Shutdown
The administration also eliminated the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed migrants in Mexico to schedule appointments to request entry at U.S. ports of entry. Under the Biden administration, this system facilitated the processing of approximately 1,500 migrants per day.
Critics of the shutdown argue that it dismantles an orderly process for asylum seekers, forcing many to resort to illegal border crossings.
Broader Immigration Measures
Other notable changes targeting legal immigration include:
- Safe Mobility Office Closures: The administration shut down offices in Latin America that vetted migrants for legal immigration programs and resettlement in countries like the U.S., Spain, and Canada.
- Revoking Parole Status: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been authorized to revoke parole status for migrants admitted under Biden administration policies.
- Birthright Citizenship: Though temporarily halted by court challenges, Trump’s efforts to restrict birthright citizenship aim to deny U.S. citizenship to children born to non-citizen parents, including those on temporary visas.
- Country-Based Immigration Bans: Federal agencies have been directed to recommend partial or total bans for countries whose citizens cannot be adequately vetted.
Differing Perspectives on Immigration Policies
Support for the Restrictions
Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies, supports these measures, arguing that they address alleged overreach by the previous administration.
“Biden used parole authority to create an unlawful parallel immigration system,” Krikorian said.
Criticism of the Crackdown
Immigration advocates, however, have expressed deep concern over the consequences of these policies.
Vignarajah called the refugee admissions process the “gold standard” of legal immigration and criticized the administration for abandoning approved refugees who had endured years of vetting.
Impact and Outlook
The Trump administration’s actions reflect a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy, narrowing both legal and humanitarian pathways.
Proponents argue these measures strengthen national security and enforce existing laws. Critics contend they harm vulnerable populations and undermine America’s reputation as a haven for those fleeing persecution.
As further restrictions are expected, the policies will likely continue to face both legal and public scrutiny.