The Trump administration asserts: ICE agents can now also detain legal migrants waiting for a green card

The administration of US President Donald Trump has expanded the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to detain legal immigrants who are waiting for a green card guaranteeing the right to permanent residence in the United States. In this way, the administration wants to ensure the re-examination of these persons, the government memorandum states. TASR informs about it according to a Reuters report.

• The Trump administration has expanded the powers of immigration authorities.
• ICE can also detain legal immigrants seeking permanent residency.
• The new measure replaced the rules in force since 2010.
• Critics say the move damages people’s trust in the US.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said refugees must return to government custody for “screening and investigation” a year after being admitted to the United States. “It will ensure the re-vetification of refugees … and promote public safety,” said a memorandum the department submitted to the court on February 18.

A new memorandum

Under US law, refugees must apply for legal permanent residency one year after arriving in the country. The new memorandum authorizes immigration authorities to detain people during the process. The change departs from the 2010 document, according to which failure to obtain legal permanent residence status does not entitle one to deportation from the country or detention.

The new measure has already been criticized by refugee protection groups. “It erodes people’s trust in the United States, which legally accepted them and promised them protection,” said an official with the non-profit organization AfghanEvac. The Jewish refugee nonprofit HIAS says “this move will significantly harm the thousands of people who have been welcomed into the US after fleeing violence and persecution.”