A federal appeals court ruled on March 25, 2025, that President Donald Trump can partially enforce his refugee ban while the legal battle continues. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit lifted part of a lower court’s injunction, allowing the administration to halt the entry of new refugees. However, the court mandated that individuals whose refugee status was conditionally approved before Trump’s executive order on January 20, 2025, must still be allowed to resettle.
The ruling follows a legal challenge from immigrant rights groups who argued that the ban violated Congressional authority. The court pointed to precedent granting significant deference to the president on immigration matters, referencing a 2018 Supreme Court decision upholding Trump’s travel ban. While the decision is seen as a setback for refugee advocates, they expressed relief that thousands of refugees whose cases had already been approved would still have the opportunity to resettle in the U.S.
The case is ongoing, with further legal proceedings to determine the broader constitutionality of the refugee ban. Trump’s administration contends that the suspension of the program is necessary due to overburdened cities and communities, although critics argue the decision harms vulnerable refugees and violates the law. For more information on this and other immigration issues, contact the attorneys at Prime Path Immigration Law Firm Limited USA.
Reference:
Whitehurst, Lindsay. Johnson, Gene. “Appeals court allows Trump administration to suspend approval of new refugees amid lawsuit.” The Associated Press. March 25, 2025.
Nakamura, David. “Circuit panel says Trump can enforce ban on some refugee admissions” The Washington Post. March 25, 2025.
