iACT Responds to DHS Plan to Detain and Arrest Refugees

On February 18, the Department of Homeland Security issued a memo stating that refugees who have not become lawful permanent residents (acquired their green card) within one year of arriving in the US must either present themselves to the agency or be detained.

The DHS memo stands in direct conflict with the commitment the United States has long made: that those fleeing war and persecution will find safety here. People who have been granted legal refugee status in this country — our neighbors, friends, schoolmates, coworkers — have already completed one of the most rigorous vetting processes in our immigration system. They have been granted legal standing by both international bodies and our own government.

The DHS memo also intentionally uses alarming and dehumanizing language stating: “The refugee must return, or be returned, to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) custody for inspection and examination for admission as an LPR [lawful permanent resident].” Dehumanizing language diminishes our ability to empathize with others and perpetuates a false “us” vs “them” mentality.

People who have already survived unimaginable circumstances — years of war, insecurity, and persecution — and who finally found safety and have begun to rebuild their lives, are once again unnecessarily living in fear. This is a cruelty that Americans should refuse to accept.

Let’s meet this moment with empathy and with the full recognition of our shared humanity. Let’s intentionally remind each other that refugees are mothers, brothers, fathers, grandmothers, aunts, and babies. They deserve our solidarity, friendship, and care.

We call on the Trump Administration to immediately stop this dehumanizing and cruel rollout and to uphold our country’s longstanding commitment to being a beacon of hope for refugees. They cannot go back to the places they fled. 

iACT stands with refugees. Unequivocally. Today, and always.