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The International Institute of St. Louis Calls for Compassion and Fairness in Response to January 2025 Anti-Immigration Executive Orders
On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration signed a series of Executive Orders that will have a detrimental impact on the lives of thousands of refugees and immigrants seeking safety in the United States.
The Executive Order Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program will halt all actions from U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, effectively ending refugee resettlement for a period of 90 days. After that time, The Secretary of Homeland Security will provide a report to the President, who then will decide whether or not to retain the program.
The Executive Order Securing Our Borders will terminate categorical parole programs and effectively end asylum by banning the CBP One app, while also increasing security at the southern border.
The previous Trump administration limited refugee and other immigrant arrivals to the United States, leaving tens of thousands of potential newcomers in precarious and unsafe situations.
These orders will impact thousands of individuals fleeing violence, persecution and war around the world, putting their lives on hold and pausing their chance at hope for safety. The United States has a long history of welcoming those seeking a better life—a legacy jeopardized by the administration’s most recent policies.
“The suspension of the refugee resettlement program and international asylum by executive order are dual blows to legal immigration in the U.S.” said Blake Hamilton, Interim President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis. “Together these orders effectively reject our nation's nearly 75-year commitment to respecting the human dignity of those fleeing persecution as affirmed by the Geneva Convention.”
Refugees are some of the most vetted individuals in the United States. Before their arrival, they undergo multiple interviews and security screenings with different federal and international bodies. Like other non-profit and faith-based organizations, the International Institute provides cultural orientation to new arrivals, in addition to English classes, job training, education services and school enrollment. We help prepare those newest to our country for long-term success in our community.
Refugees and immigrants alike provide immense value as taxpayers, business owners, employees, neighbors and community members. These families are in search of a better life and deserve the opportunity that can be afforded by living in the United States.
At the International Institute, we’ll continue supporting immigrants and refugees in our region, through holistic services to ensure that immigrants feel safe and welcome in our communities. “We remain steadfast in supporting policies that celebrate the contributions of immigrants and promote inclusivity, as we continue working to ensure that all individuals, regardless of origin, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to our shared future,” said Hamilton.
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