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EO 14163Executive OrderTrump 47 · R

Executive Order 14163

Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program

This executive order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) effective January 27, 2025, halting refugee entry and application decisions until a future presidential determination that resumption aligns with U.S. interests. It requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to report every 90 days on whether to resume the program, allows case-by-case exceptions for national interest, directs exploration of expanded state/local role in refugee placement, and revokes Biden-era EO 14013.

Federal Register Open PDF 90 FR 8459

Impact dates

  1. Subsequent DHS Secretary reports every 90 days until presidential determination

  2. DHS Secretary report on whether USRAP resumption is in U.S. interests

  3. USRAP suspension takes effect

Key directives

  • Suspend USRAP entry effective January 27, 2025, 12:01 a.m. EST
  • Suspend refugee application decisions
  • Submit report within 90 days on resumption advisability
  • Submit further reports every 90 days thereafter
  • Examine law for expanded state/local placement role and devise proposal
  • Ensure state/local consultation per 8 U.S.C. 1522(a)(2)
  • Revoke EO 14013

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • USRAP suspension takes effect January 27, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EST
  • Refugee entry halted subject to exceptions
  • Application decisions suspended

Near term (90d)

  • First report due from DHS Secretary (with State) to President by April 20, 2025 on whether USRAP resumption is in U.S. interests
  • DHS Secretary (with AG) to examine law and devise proposal for state/local involvement in refugee placement

Long term

  • Further reports every 90 days until President determines resumption is in U.S. interests
  • Potential indefinite suspension if no presidential determination made
  • Possible structural shift toward state/local veto/involvement in refugee resettlement

Risks & tensions

  • Legal challenge likely under INA and Refugee Act of 1980; section 212(f) authority contested
  • Humanitarian obligations vs. asserted resource/safety concerns
  • State/local involvement proposal may conflict with federal preemption in immigration law
  • Indefinite suspension structure creates uncertainty for refugee pipeline and resettlement agencies
  • Case-by-case exception process may bottleneck and face equal protection scrutiny
Executive Order 14163: Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program · Executive Orders