Meng, Kennedy Lead Congressional Effort Demanding Reversal of Harmful Refugee Detention Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26) led a coalition of 35 House Democrats in demanding the Trump administration immediately reverse a dangerous new policy that allows for the arrest and detention of legally admitted refugees after one year in the United States. In a letter sent to top immigration officials, the Members warn that the policy upends decades of established law and threatens to destabilize communities across the country. For Western New York, a region strengthened by generations of refugee resettlement, this policy puts working families, local economies, and community institutions at risk.

“The Trump administration's new policy betrays refugees who came to this country seeking safety, only to now face the threat of detention by the very nation that promised them protection,” said Rep. Grace Meng, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. “This cruel bait-and-switch undermines decades of precedent and leaves thousands of fully vetted refugees in limbo. We urge the Trump administration to reverse course and uphold our American values.”

“At its core, this policy breaks a promise,” said Congressman Kennedy. “Refugees who followed the law, passed incredibly rigorous vetting processes, and began building new lives here are now being told they could be detained simply for complying with the system as it exists. That’s wrong, and it’s a direct threat to the stability of communities like Buffalo, where refugees are our neighbors, coworkers, and small business owners contributing to our shared prosperity.”

The letter emphasizes that this unprecedented policy creates fear and uncertainty for families who have already endured hardship, while undermining the core tenets of the legal immigration process. Subjecting lawful refugees to detention during the green card process, a step refugees are already legally required to take, risks disrupting businesses, separating families, and weakening the socioeconomic fabric of communities nationwide. Refugees are proven drivers of workforce growth and local revitalization, particularly in regions like Western New York that rely on new Americans to fill critical jobs and strengthen neighborhoods.

This DHS policy comes against the backdrop of several actions taken by the Trump administration to undermine the refugee program. House Democrats are demanding answers and accountability, making clear that policies with such profound human and economic consequences cannot go unchecked.

Read the full text of the letter here.

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