New Rules for Refugees in 2026
The Trump Administration has spent the past 12 months adopting countless new immigration regulations. New rules are also in place for refugees. In fact, according to a February 2026 memo, any refugee who does not obtain a green card within a year must present themselves to the agency to avoid detention. We encourage refugees to contact Empowerment Legal, PLLC if they have questions or need legal representation. We can quickly identify the best steps to take.
Fewer Pathways to Resettlement
The refugee program allows those facing a well-founded fear of prosecution to stay in the United States instead of returning home. However, the Trump Administration has adopted a hostile posture toward the refugee program. In fact, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has stated it will review the refugee status of anyone admitted during the Biden presidency.
Unfortunately, the government may be reopening immigration cases to strip current refugees of their legal protections. The next step would be to deport them back to their home countries, which is a terrifying prospect.
If you are a current refugee, then obtaining a green card should be at the top of the list to avoid having to present yourself to USCIS for questioning. Any delay will result in being vetted once again by the government and possibly being deported.
The government claims the changes are necessary to counteract immigration fraud, but obtaining a green card so quickly is a challenge for many refugees. For one thing, the government has a backlog of requests. Many people trying to adjust status must wait more than 12 months. That would mean that virtually any refugee will have to be vetted a second time if they want to stay in the U.S.
We highly recommend that anyone with refugee status immediately contact an attorney to identify the correct steps to take. Our firm can help with seeking adjustment of status, which is necessary to obtain a green card.
This move is only the latest to negatively impact the refugee community in the United States. The Trump Administration has already curtailed federal funding to organizations that help refugees, including organizations focused on helping refugees obtain a green card. Trump has also lowered the number of refugees accepted into the U.S. in any given year, and we don’t anticipate the number going back up any time soon.
Connect with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer
Immigration law continues to undergo a sea change, with dozens of new rules coming online each month. Many members of our immigrant community are scared and confused. Now is the time to contact an experienced lawyer in Jacksonville for help. At Empowerment Legal, we work with refugees and asylees to help them stay in the U.S. We can submit paperwork to adjust your status and ultimately obtain a green card. We can also help those who are just beginning the process of applying to be a refugee. Call our office to schedule a free consultation with a Jacksonville refugee and asylum applications lawyer.
Sources:
upi.com/Top_News/US/2026/02/19/dhs-arrest-detain-refugees-without-green-cards/2681771534080/
federalregister.gov/documents/2025/10/31/2025-19752/presidential-determination-on-refugee-admissions-for-fiscal-year-2026