'Trauma after trauma': Alarm over a plan to review Biden-era refugees

The Trump administration's plan to review all refugees admitted to the United States under the Biden administration is weighing heavily on people who could be affected by the evaluation, fueling uncertainty and worry among people who believed their status was secured.

- BY COREY WILLIAMS, MIKE CATALINI AND REBECCA SANTANA

JOE RAEDLE Getty Images

RAMON VENTURA holds a crucifix as people gather this month in Miami to pray on behalf of immigrants.

The review was laid out in a memo obtained by the Associated Press and signed by the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, and dated Friday.

It said that under President Biden, "expediency" and "quantity" were prioritized over "detailed screening and vetting."

Advocates say that refugees, who fled conflict or persecution in their home countries, are some of the most highly vetted individuals to be allowed entry into the United States. They must overcome a years-long process that involves waiting, paperwork and vetting before they eventually qualify for the coveted slots in the refugee program.

Once they have their status settled and arrive in the U.S., many rebuild their lives, form new communities and attempt to bring family over from abroad.

Now, many fear that those new ties and their futures in the U.S. are in question.

Here is a look at some reactions to the planned review:

'It still is a dream'

A Syrian refugee who came to the U.S. during the Biden administration said he and his family discussed the news of the review when it emerged on Monday. The refugee spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because he feared he or his relatives could be targeted by U.S. authorities.