By Jane McClure

President Donald Trump’s extreme restrictions on immigration are having a major impact, especially at area agencies that operate refugee programs.

Trump signed an executive order halting the Refugee Admissions Program on his first day in office. The presidential act immediately disrupted efforts of refugee resettlement agencies around the nation.

The Refugee Admissions Program was established in 1980. It provides legal measures to help people who have been vetted to immigrate and find support.

Without the program’s support, refugees who arrived in Minnesota within the last 90 days—who were already extensively vetted, approved for resettlement and have work authorization—can no longer receive the critical services needed to begin new lives in safety.

The International Institute of Minnesota, like many agencies, had its federal resettlement contract cancelled.

“We’re committed to trying to honor the promise made by the U.S. government to help the refugees already here with funding from donors and supporters,” institute leaders said in a statement. “There have been no interruptions in classroom activities, workforce training or legal services. We’re in a difficult moment right now, but clients and students keep showing up every day. If they can, we can too.”

“The halt to existing funding could be catastrophic for refugees who recently arrived in Minnesota. We will not abandon our clients, but community help is essential,” said Jane Graupman, executive director of the International Institute of Minnesota.

The Institute welcomed 183 individuals in the past 90 days who are currently receiving services, as of late January. This number is significantly higher across Minnesota and the country.

“The goal of our work is to help clients become self-sufficient as quickly as possible,” Graupman said. “Without providing support in these critical first months of arrival, people are essentially left stranded. We cannot abandon refugees as they adjust to a new life in a new country.”

In mid-February, Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota eliminated more than two dozen staff positions after the Trump administration’s suspended the Refugee Admissions Program. LSS Minnesota aids refugees through services including housing and employment.

Senior Vice President of Services Alexis Oberdorfer said in a statement, “With no federal funding for refugee resettlement services, we are in the unfortunate position of having to reduce our staffing for this work.” n

Jane McClure is a Twin Cities freelance writer.