Story perspectives

Trump to Retroactively Vet 230,000 Refugees, Sparks Controversy

11/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to retroactively vet more than 230,000 refugees admitted under President Biden, citing national security concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security would carry out the vetting as refugee admissions fall to historic lows.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin says corrective actions are necessary to ensure residents deserve to be there.
Mark Hetfield of HIAS calls the plan cruel and unnecessary, noting refugees undergo extensive vetting already.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump plans to retroactively vet more than 230,000 refugees admitted under President Biden, citing national security concerns.
The Department of Homeland Security would carry out the vetting as refugee admissions fall to historic lows.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin says corrective actions are necessary to ensure residents deserve to be there.
Mark Hetfield of HIAS calls the plan cruel and unnecessary, noting refugees undergo extensive vetting already.