Refugees who were scheduled to travel to the United States after a long and often tedious process have had their flights canceled, according to a State Department memo to resettlement partners obtained by CNN.
About 10,000 refugees had booked a trip that is now canceled, according to a source familiar with the data.
The memo follows President Donald Trump’s executive order suspending refugee admissions and is another example of the rapid impact his actions are already having.
Cancellations could be of particular concern for refugees whose medical exams or security checks, for example, are about to expire.
The note also indicates that processing of files is suspended, thus terminating the program.
Special immigrant visa holders, which include those who have worked for the United States abroad, are exempt. They can travel to the United States, according to the memo. Refugees already in the United States can also continue to receive services.
CNN has reached out to the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration for comment.
Trump’s executive order, signed Monday, said the United States was unable to absorb the influx of migrants in recent years in addition to refugees, leading the administration to suspend the U.S. immigration admissions program. refugees “until further entry into the country is achieved”. The United States of Refugees aligns with U.S. interests.
The suspension was to take effect Jan. 27, according to the order. The memo implies that it takes effect immediately.
The headline and post have been updated to reflect the number of refugees affected.
