Resuming the United States Refugee Admissions Program With Enhanced Vetting Capabilities

Background

The issuance of Executive Order 13815 in October 2017 marked a significant policy shift in the U.S. refugee program under President Donald Trump's administration. It reflected an emphasis on national security and aimed to enhance vetting procedures for individuals entering the United States under the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The order mandated federal agencies, including the Department of State, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence, to collaborate on improving data collection, biometric checks, and interagency information sharing. Specific operational adjustments were made to refine how refugees were screened, contributing to a slow down in the processing time for applications and a general reduction in the number of refugees admitted to the U.S.

Moreover, the order influenced social policy by reinforcing a narrative that associated refugee admissions with national security risks. This resulted in heightened public concern regarding the potential for individuals linked to terrorism to exploit refugee programs. The emphasis on security screening before resumption of admissions underlined the administration's stance that robust vetting was crucial. As a consequence, some humanitarian organizations reported a chilling effect on refugee assistance activities, as increased scrutiny and prolonged processes delayed refugee resettlements and strained resources.

Operationally, the order created significant burdens for agencies involved in vetting activities. New protocols required additional data collection, staff training, and updated technology to accommodate stricter security measures. These requirements led to increased workload and administrative bottlenecks, necessitating interagency coordination and additional resources to manage the vetting process's expanded scope. Despite these challenges, the changes were defended by the administration as necessary to safeguard the country against potential threats while still allowing for select admissions under USRAP.

Reason for Revocation

President Joseph R. Biden Jr.'s revocation of Executive Order 13815 in February 2021 was part of a broader ideological shift in U.S. immigration and refugee policy. The Biden administration pledged to restore and expand the nation's commitment to humanitarian assistance and international protection. Biden's leadership sought to reverse many of the restrictive measures enacted under the Trump presidency, emphasizing a more welcoming and inclusive approach to refugees and immigrants, reflecting values rooted in compassion and diversity, rather than security concerns.

This revocation coincided with Biden's broader vision of rebuilding the refugee resettlement program, which had seen drastic reductions in admission caps and heightened security measures under the previous administration. By eliminating Trump's order, Biden signaled a departure from policies that conflated refugee admissions with threats to national security, aiming instead to project an image of the U.S. as a leader in supporting vulnerable populations worldwide. This change also aligned with Biden's campaign promises to restore the annual refugee admissions cap and integrate refugees more effectively into American society.

Furthermore, this policy reversal can be viewed as a response to both domestic and international pressure for the U.S. to uphold its traditional role in global humanitarian efforts. The Biden administration's stance sought to address criticisms over the perceived inhumanity and inefficiency of the previous administration's refugee policies. The move to revoke was emblematic of a commitment to streamlining the resettlement process, ensuring timely processing of applications, and utilizing resources more efficiently to address increased global displacement challenges.

Revocation was also an acknowledgment of the outdated and overly stringent methodologies implemented during the Trump era, which were seen as unnecessary obstacles to refugee admissions. Biden's policy decisions in this realm represent a substantial ideological shift from policies perceived as protectionist to those promoting inclusion and global cooperation, aiming to balance security with empathy toward those fleeing conflict and persecution.

Winners

The direct beneficiaries of revoking Trump's order are refugees seeking asylum and resettlement in the United States from conflict-ridden regions. With the repeal, the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program was positioned to expand its capacity and reduce bottlenecks, potentially leading to increased numbers of refugees being admitted. Refugee families that had been separated due to stringent entry restrictions could be reunited quicker, alleviating long-standing emotional and logistical challenges.

Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups involved in refugee assistance and resettlement also stood to gain from the changes. By easing the administrative and security-related hurdles previously imposed, these organizations could operate more effectively, using their resources to focus on integrating refugees into society rather than grappling with administrative barriers. This shift allowed them to advocate more robustly for policies that support human rights and international protection norms.

Moreover, industries reliant on labor-intensive services, such as agriculture, construction, and hospitality, may benefit indirectly from a more robust refugee resettlement program. Refugees often fill essential roles in these sectors, addressing labor shortages, particularly in regions facing demographic declines. Relaxing entry restrictions could increase the pool of eligible workers, aiding economic growth and development in communities across the country.

Losers

Conversely, revoking the order could be seen as detrimental to those who argue for stricter immigration controls on national security grounds. Sections of the U.S. population that support tighter refugee vetting processes voice concerns that relaxed measures might lead to potential lapses in security. Although empirical evidence linking refugees to domestic terrorism is limited, perceptions and fears related to security risks remain potent among specific demographics, potentially fueling political and social tensions.

Agencies involved in the enhanced vetting process that had undergone significant transformations to accommodate Trump's directives face operational challenges due to the policy reversal. Transitioning back to previous processes or adapting to new guidelines under Biden's administration might require reallocation of resources, potentially causing temporary inefficiencies as protocols are adjusted. Furthermore, the sunk costs associated with implementing the heightened scrutiny measures could be viewed as wasteful or misaligned with current objectives.

Those involved in crafting and implementing many aspects of the Trump administration's refugee policies might experience setbacks. Policymakers and legislators who had supported the previous administration's stance on immigration controls might find it challenging to adapt their strategies to align with the more open policies characteristic of the Biden era. This shift may also impact their political leverage or influence, particularly if public sentiment shifts toward favoring more humanitarian-focused immigration policies.