Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program
January 20, 2025
Action Summary
- Purpose: Address the record levels of migration over the past 4 years that have overwhelmed various communities and strained resources. The order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) until refugee entry aligns with U.S. interests.
- Policy: Emphasizes public safety, national security, and the appropriate assimilation of refugees, while preserving taxpayer resources. Also promotes State and local involvement in refugee placement decisions.
- Suspension of USRAP: Effective at 12:01 am EST on January 27, 2025, refugee entries under USRAP are suspended. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis if determined to be in the national interest and safe for the country.
- Review and Resumption Process: Within 90 days, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, must report to the President on whether the resumption of refugee entries is in the national interest. Subsequent reports will be submitted every 90 days until a resumption decision is made.
- Revocation: Repeals Executive Order 14013, which focused on refugee resettlement and planning related to climate change-induced migration.
- General Provisions: Clarifies that the order does not impair existing executive authority or create enforceable legal rights. The implementation is subject to applicable law and available appropriations, with severability ensuring the rest of the order remains effective if a provision is invalidated.
Risks & Considerations
- The suspension of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) could impact Vanderbilt University’s international student body and faculty, particularly those from refugee backgrounds or those involved in refugee studies and support programs.
- There may be increased scrutiny and administrative requirements for international students and scholars, potentially affecting Vanderbilt’s ability to attract and retain global talent.
- The emphasis on state and local jurisdiction involvement in refugee placement could lead to varied policies across states, affecting Vanderbilt’s partnerships and community engagement initiatives related to refugee support.
- Vanderbilt may need to reassess its programs and resources dedicated to refugee and immigrant support, potentially reallocating resources to align with new federal and state policies.
Impacted Programs
- Vanderbilt’s International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) may need to adjust its support and advisory services to accommodate changes in refugee admissions and related policies.
- The Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies might experience shifts in research focus or funding opportunities related to migration and refugee studies.
- Peabody College could see changes in its educational programs and research initiatives related to refugee education and integration.
- The Office of Community Engagement may need to strengthen its partnerships with local organizations to support refugees and immigrants in the Nashville area.
Financial Impact
- Changes in federal refugee policies could affect funding opportunities for research and community programs related to migration and refugee support.
- Vanderbilt may need to allocate additional resources to support international students and scholars affected by the suspension of USRAP.
- Potential shifts in student demographics could impact tuition revenue and financial aid distribution, particularly if refugee students face additional barriers to entry.
- There may be opportunities for Vanderbilt to secure funding for research and policy development in refugee and migration studies, particularly in collaboration with state and local governments.
Relevance Score: 3 (The order presents moderate risks involving compliance and potential impacts on international programs and partnerships.)
Key Actions
- Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should monitor developments in the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) suspension and any subsequent policy changes. Understanding these changes will be crucial for advising international students and scholars who may be affected by shifts in refugee and immigration policies.
- The Center for International Studies should consider conducting research on the impact of refugee policy changes on local communities and educational institutions. This research could provide valuable insights into how these policies affect community dynamics and resource allocation, potentially influencing future policy recommendations.
- Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should review the implications of increased state and local involvement in refugee resettlement processes. This review will help ensure that the university remains compliant with any new legal requirements and can effectively engage with local jurisdictions on refugee-related matters.
Opportunities
- The executive order presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Public Policy Studies Program to engage in policy analysis and advocacy regarding refugee admissions and resettlement. By providing evidence-based recommendations, the program can influence how state and local jurisdictions manage refugee placements and support services.
- Vanderbilt can capitalize on the increased focus on national security and public safety by developing programs and partnerships that address these concerns. This could include research initiatives, public forums, and collaborations with government agencies to enhance understanding and policy development in these areas.
Relevance Score: 3 (Some adjustments are needed to processes or procedures due to potential impacts on international students and community engagement.)
Timeline for Implementation
- Suspension of refugee entry under the USRAP: Effective at 12:01 am EST on January 27, 2025 (7 days after the order’s issuance on January 20, 2025).
- Report Submission: The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, must submit a report within 90 days of the order, with subsequent reports every 90 days thereafter.
Relevance Score: 5
Impacted Government Organizations
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Responsible for suspending refugee admissions, reviewing applications, and coordinating with other agencies on the refugee admissions policy.
- Department of State: Involved in the case-by-case determination of refugee entries and in ensuring that state and local consultation requirements are met.
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Tasked with ensuring that state and local consultation requirements related to refugee admissions are fulfilled.
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Consulted regarding the legal framework and to examine the authority for greater state and local involvement in refugee placement decisions.
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Noted in the order to ensure that its functions related to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals remain unaffected.
- State and Local Governments: Implicated in the consultation process and in determining refugee resettlement strategies to manage local resources and security.
Relevance Score: 3 (A moderate number of federal and local agencies are impacted by the order.)
Responsible Officials
- Secretary of Homeland Security – Directed to suspend decisions on applications for refugee status, coordinate proposals on state and local involvement, and submit periodic reports on resumption criteria for the USRAP.
- Secretary of State – Empowered to jointly determine case-by-case admissions of refugees and to partner in report submission regarding the program’s resumption, as well as ensuring state and local consultation requirements.
- Secretary of Health and Human Services – Tasked with ensuring that state and local consultation processes related to refugee admissions are carried out in accordance with legal requirements.
- Attorney General – To be consulted by the Secretary of Homeland Security in examining existing law for enhancing state and local involvement in refugee placements.
Relevance Score: 5 (Directives affect Cabinet officials and agency heads with substantial authority over national immigration and security policy.)