Trump Administration Launches Sweeping Review of Biden-Era Refugees, Targeting Kenyans

In a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy, the Trump administration has initiated a sweeping review of over 200,000 refugees who entered the United States during President Joe Biden’s tenure. The announcement has sent shockwaves through communities, particularly among Kenyans who sought refuge in the U.S. from camps in their home country. As the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates new interviews and vetting procedures, many refugees are left grappling with the fear of losing their status and the potential for deportation. This post will explore the implications of this review and its impact on the Kenyan refugee community.

The Scope of the Review

According to an internal memo from USCIS Director Joe Edlow, all refugees admitted between January 20, 2021, and February 20, 2025, will undergo fresh interviews to reassess their eligibility for protection. This sweeping review is unprecedented and has raised alarms among those who believed they had found safety and a path to citizenship in the U.S.

The memo outlines an immediate halt to the processing of permanent residence applications for these refugees, which could disrupt the lives of thousands, especially those from Kenya who have been resettled in the U.S. in recent years.

Impact on Kenyan Refugees

Kenya has long been a significant hub for refugees seeking resettlement in the West. The Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps have housed thousands of individuals fleeing conflict and persecution from neighboring countries. In 2022, Kenya submitted nearly 3,700 refugees for resettlement, many of whom found their way to the U.S.

With the new vetting measures in place, Kenyans who arrived during Biden's administration now face an uncertain future. Many had begun the lengthy journey toward U.S. citizenship, only to find their status jeopardized by a change in policy.

Concerns Over Re-Interviews

The re-interviews mandated by the USCIS are particularly concerning for Kenyan refugees. These interviews could lead to the discovery of discrepancies in their documentation or eligibility, potentially resulting in the termination of their refugee status. Refugees are understandably anxious about how their past experiences, often marred by trauma and instability, will be perceived under the new administration’s scrutiny.

The Administration's Justification

The Trump administration has claimed that the review is necessary to ensure that the refugee admissions process remains thorough and secure. They argue that the Biden administration may have prioritized high admission numbers over rigorous vetting processes, which has led to the current situation. The USCIS aims to correct what they view as oversights in the previous administration's handling of refugee admissions.