ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A presidential executive order is being talked about that stops, at least for now, refugees from coming into the United States.

What You Need To Know

  • An executive order stops refugees from entering the U.S.
  • Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program Executive Order begins 
  • The order is temporary for now

The Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program executive order states that entry into the U.S. of refugees under the program be suspended temporarily by the end of this weekend.

“Anyone who is not U.S.-born citizen is under fear,” said Beshir Getachew, director of Rochester’s Catholic Charities Refugee Immigration and Employment Services.

It does not come as a surprise. President Donald Trump ran and won on his campaign promise to reform immigration policies.

It’s the swiftness of the president’s actions that’s catching some off guard.

“We knew that some kind of executive order is coming regarding refugees and immigrants. What we still do not know is the extent of the implementation,” said Getachew.

He explains flights are now canceled for refugees who are already approved by the federal government to come to the U.S. in the next few weeks.

“When we talk about refugees, one, we are talking about real people who lived in refugee camps for 20 years, for 30 years, waiting to find a place to start their lives," said Getachew.

The order also states that the secretary of state and the secretary of Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit aliens into the U.S. as refugees on a case-by-case basis, at their discretion, which may include families of U.S. service members who live in Afghanistan and Afghan partner forces who worked closely with the U.S. military, left stuck in that country during the withdrawal.

“So, the hope is those who have the status already will come, but those in the process, that is questionable. Even though they worked and their process is ongoing, we just don't know,” said Getachew.

The executive order is not permanent.

“Even though it is temporary, is it really temporary? So, but we have been ready. We have been prepared. Especially after we know the outcome of the election. But the way it was implemented is just, kind of abrupt,” said Getachew.

Within 90 days of this order, the secretary of Homeland Security and the secretary of state are ordered to submit a report to the president through the Homeland Security advisor about whether resuming entry of refugees into the U.S. under this program is in the best interest of the U.S.

President Trump will determine if the program will resume.