PD 25-07: Suspension of the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP)

Date:	05/09/25
To:	DEBS
From:	Vivien Phan, SSA BPIS
Reference:	ACIN I-16-25

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Background

On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) suspending the entrance of refugees into the United States (U.S.) through USRAP as of January 27, 2025. The EO allows the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly admit refugees to the U.S. on a case-by-case basis. USRAP may possibly resume in the future.

 

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Guidance

As a result of the EO, staff may notice a decrease in refugee applications for benefits.

Continuation of Benefits and Services

For refugees currently in the U.S. and other eligible non-citizens, the suspension of USRAP does not affect their eligibility for:

• The Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) or mainstream benefits, including but not limited to:
  • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA),
  • CalFresh,
  • CalWORKs,
  • Medi-Cal, and
  • Foster Care for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URMs).
• The Trafficking and Crime Victims Assistance Program (TCVAP).

Staff must continue providing benefits and services to refugees and eligible non-citizens without interruption.

 

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Implementation

This Program Directive is effective immediately.