What’s New
On Friday, the President issued a proclamation invoking a 1798 law to fast-track removals of Venezuelans – including people seeking asylum – without the opportunity to have a court hearing, which is a violation of due process.
This law gives the president authority to remove people from countries at war with the United States. This authority was last evoked during World War II to place people of Japanese, Italian, and German ancestry in internment camps. An official apology for these acts was issued by President Reagan in 1988. Congress has introduced legislation to repeal this law.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Democracy Forward challenged this authority, resulting in a temporary restraining order (J.G.G. v. Trump). The federal judge also verbally ordered the administration to return people being removed at the time of the ruling. On Monday, during a hearing on whether the administration violated the court order, the administration refused to provide details of the timing of the three planes that removed more than 200 individuals without due process. Furthermore, the Department of Justice has requested that the temporary restraining order be dissolved and the judge removed from the case.
Speaking of legal challenges, the Haitian Evangelical Clergy Association, SEIU, and nine TPS holders filed a lawsuit against the administration’s decision to shorten the redesignation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians by six months. TPS protects individuals from deportation if their home country is designated as unsafe to return to because of war, natural disasters, or other extraordinary circumstances.
What Else?
Congress averted a shutdown on Friday - largely along party lines in a 54-46 vote.
The bill which will reduce spending by $7 billion – also requires D.C. to make over $1 billion in spending cuts. However, on Friday, the Senate passed a bipartisan bill that would prevent these budget cuts. The bill will need to be passed by the House – which is in recess until March 24.
Monday was the anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, which enshrined the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) and asylum systems into law.
“On the 45th anniversary of the Refugee Act of 1980, we must confront a stark reality: our legacy of welcome is under threat. The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program is suspended, and vital resettlement funds are being cut, leaving refugees abroad at risk and newly arrived families struggling. Families and individuals are also being denied their legal and human right to seek asylum," said Kristyn Peck, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. "This isn’t just a policy shift— it's a departure from the fundamental American values of offering hope and refuge to those seeking safety, values leaders across both parties have upheld for decades."
Despite a court order, the administration’s indefinite refugee ban and frozen funds to support recently arrived refugees remain in place (Pacito v. Trump). The latest joint status report stated that the administration “continues to prepare a request for proposals for a new resettlement agency to provide reception and placement benefits aligned with administration policies.” For now, tens of thousands of refugees remain stranded in unsafe conditions abroad, and hundreds of our new neighbors continue to be at risk of homelessness and food insecurity.
The Associated Press recently featured the human impact of the stop work order and funding freezes, centering Rahmani’s story, an LSSNCA program participant, who was resettled in November 2024.
Related Coverage:
AP: Trump's funding freeze leaves US allied Afghan refugees struggling for the basics - March 18, 2025
Thomson Reuters Foundation: Death of American Dream after Trump axes refugee funds - March 17, 2025
What’s Needed
As a result of the January stop work order and ongoing frozen funds from multiple federal agencies, LSSNCA has laid off 75 people and seven team members have been furloughed. Your support helps ensure our communities remain committed to welcoming people seeking safety during this difficult time.
- Donate. The administration’s actions have created a major funding gap. Your financial gift will help support refugees in our communities.
- Volunteer. Whether you have a few hours or can offer ongoing support, we need help welcoming our new neighbors. Employers looking to expand their workforce are also encouraged to connect with us.
- Attend. Join Kristyn Peck, LSSNCA CEO, and the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies for an online conversation on March 26 at noon ET.
What’s Happened - A timeline of events since January 20, 2025.
