DHS Pushes for Detention of Refugees While Cases Are Reviewed

The Trump administration is seeking to detain legal refugees who have been in the US for a year and haven’t obtained permanent resident status, a policy shift that would threaten thousands with long-term detention and possible deportation.

Refugees must already apply for a green card after being in the US for a year. Under the policy change, they could now face arrest for not applying on time, being in the country without a green card or while their applications are pending, the Department of Homeland Security said in a memo reviewed by Bloomberg News, citing national security and public safety concerns.