US Refugees Who Fail to Apply for a Green Card Within a Year Face Arrest Under New Policy

A new memo released by the current administration reverses Obama-era refugee policies and could make them vulnerable to arrest. If you have refugee status and you still haven’t applied for a green card, you might want to pay close attention to this new development. You may also want to discuss your legal options with an experienced green card attorney in Palm Beach Gardens.

New Policy Paves the Way for Refugee Arrests

In February of 2026, multiple sources reported that the United States had launched a new policy on refugees. This policy states that if you were admitted into the country as a refugee, you have just 12 months to apply for a green card. If you fail to do this, you’ll leave yourself open to potential arrest and detention.

This move is part of a larger trend to limit refugee admissions into the United States. The current administration has drastically reduced the number of refugees it allows into the country. Now, the administration seems to be targeting refugees who are already inside the country as well.

Another recent development is the review of all refugees admitted into the country under the Biden administration. The USCIS has announced that all of these individuals could be subject to detention or removal if this review process determines that they shouldn’t have been admitted in the first place.

Even if refugees apply for green cards within the allotted time, immigration officials still have the authority to put them in detention while waiting to hear back about their applications.

This Is a Major Reversal From Previous Policies

Under previous administrations stretching back to the Obama presidency, refugees who failed to apply for green cards within a year of arriving in the United States could not face deportation. The current administration states that this change is necessary due to rising immigration fraud, security threats, and an influx of people with criminal backgrounds.

Critics say that every refugee who is already present in the country has already gone through “extreme vetting,” and there is no need to arrest or deport them at this stage of their resettlement process.

Apply for a Green Card Immediately

Due to this new policy, refugees in the United States should strongly consider applying for green cards as quickly as possible. If you are confused about this process, consider speaking with an experienced immigration attorney. That said, applying for a green card doesn’t necessarily prevent you from being detained by the immigration authorities.

Can a Palm Beach Gardens Immigration Lawyer Help Me?

Whether you have refugee status or you’re concerned about another new immigration policy, a conversation with an experienced immigration lawyer in Palm Beach Gardens could be helpful. With guidance and education from The Devore Law Group, you can prepare yourself for new policy changes and give yourself the best possible chance at a valid green card. Contact us today to discuss your next steps. 

Sources: 

theguardian.com/us-news/2026/feb/19/trump-administration-memo-ice-dhs-refugees-screening

npr.org/2026/02/19/g-s1-110721/trump-administration-refugees-memo-arrest