Federal Judge Orders Admission of Refugees Blocked by Trump’s Freeze
A U.S. District Court in Washington state has ruled that the U.S. government must admit thousands of refugees who had booked travel before President Donald Trump’s January refugee program freeze. Judge Jamal N. Whitehead issued the order on Monday, July 14, affirming that many of these individuals—some from countries affected by Trump’s travel ban—remain eligible for U.S. entry.
Plaintiffs Welcome Court’s Clear Framework for Compliance
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), along with three faith-based refugee resettlement agencies, brought the lawsuit. The lead plaintiff, identified only as Pacito, a 22-year-old Congolese refugee, was among those admitted last week. His resettlement to North Carolina marked a symbolic victory for refugees halted mid-process by Trump’s executive order. IRAP’s attorney Mevlüde Akay Alp praised the ruling for establishing a “clear framework” to ensure government compliance.
Government Opposed Resettling Refugees from Travel Ban Countries
Federal lawyers argued that 80 of the 160 refugees already approved for resettlement should be excluded because they originated from the 12 nations named in Trump’s travel ban. Judge Whitehead rejected this, clarifying that the travel ban text does not apply to refugees. His ruling expands eligibility to additional refugees from banned countries, provided they had confirmed travel arrangements before the freeze.
Up to 12,000 Refugees Could Qualify Under New Order
According to the government, as many as 12,000 refugees had finalized travel plans before the freeze. Most will now need to show a “reliance interest,” such as selling property or withdrawing children from school, to maintain eligibility. However, Afghan refugees relocated to Qatar for processing, and unaccompanied refugee minors are exempt from this requirement.
Review Process Set; Government Must Act Within Seven Days
The ruling mandates that within seven days, the U.S. government must identify all “review-eligible” refugee cases and share that list with plaintiffs. Magistrate Judge Michelle Peterson in Seattle will supervise the review process. The State Department declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation. Supporters of the ruling highlight its affirmation of refugee rights, while critics warn it could strain resettlement infrastructure and national security protocols.
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Judge Orders Government To Admit More Refugees Whose Flights Were Canceled
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