Written by: Brenda Wennerberg (Class of 1971)
I was intrigued by Meg Ermer’s Opinion article, Feb. 12, “Senseless and Unamerican: Trump suspends refugee admissions,” because, during Trump’s campaign trail, he only referred to the illegal immigration problem. The Executive Order in question is “ Realigning the United States Refugee Admission Program,” signed on Jan. 20, 2025, which was also Inauguration Day.
After reviewing the order on the whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions site, I see the following reasons for Trump’s executive orders:
Section 1: Migration Surge
“Over the last 4 years, the United States has been inundated with record levels of migration, including through the U.S. Refugee Administration Program (USRAP)…Cities and small towns alike…have seen significant influxes of migrants. Even major urban centers such as New York City, Chicago and Denver have sought Federal aid to manage the burden of new arrivals.”
Section 2: Strained Systems
New York and Massachusetts “have recently declared states of emergency because of increased migration … The United States cannot absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees.”
Section 3: Program Suspension
The Realignment of the Refugee Admissions Program states that as of Jan. 27, 2025, the refugee entry program under USRAP is suspended. Still, case-by-case exceptions may be made with the joint decision by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security.
Section 4: Review & Resumption of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program
A report within 90 days of the order by the above-mentioned government secretaries regarding the status of the migrant situation will be given to the president, and every 90 days thereafter, until it is deemed safe and appropriate to resume the USRAP.
This Executive Order connects the temporary suspension of legal refugee admissions to the large-scale illegal border crossings over the past four years, arguing that these events have contributed to the destabilization of the country. The United States’ finances, medical and educational systems, housing and law enforcement agencies have been heavily burdened.
With the resulting crime and chaos, every state has become a “border state” due to certain individuals from around the globe entering the country illegally.
While some individuals may be seeking a better life, many others cross the border with harmful intent, such as drug cartel members, terrorists, child sex traffickers and those who commit theft, rape and murder.
America is a compassionate country that is generous to those in need, but we desperately need a reset. Unfortunately, the refugees seeking entry legally must wait, hopefully for not too long, until our country is safer and secure. President Trump, in his wisdom, has enacted this temporary plan to overall provide a stronger country. In this, he is quite sensible and patriotic.