Time Runs Short for Refugee Resettlement Efforts
LINCOLN, Neb. – As the fall of 2024 approaches, anticipation builds around President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. His first term already saw lengthy suspensions on refugee resettlement and unprecedentedly low caps on allowable refugee admissions.
CIRA Races Against the Clock
Under the leadership of Dare Jan, the Center for Immigration and Refugee Advancement (CIRA) is making a concerted effort to resettle as many refugees as possible before the inauguration. The team is actively working to secure housing and necessary support for these newcomers, making regular trips to the airport to facilitate arrivals. Between October and January, CIRA successfully welcomed 303 individuals to Nebraska but has been unable to resettle anyone since.
Impact of January 2025 Freeze
The Trump administration’s drastic January 2025 freeze on refugee admissions triggered a widespread ripple effect across the nation. Refugees, who had completed intense screening procedures mere days prior to their planned flights, found their journeys abruptly halted. Financial support for newly arrived individuals was abruptly terminated, forcing resettlement agencies to cut staff and cease operations entirely.
Reduced Resettlement Agencies in Nebraska
While Nebraska is home to four resettlement agencies, only Lutheran Family Services continues to actively resettle refugees. This year, all new arrivals to Nebraska have been from a single country: South Africa. This stark shift has left many refugees facing dire circumstances, including empty food pantries and financial insecurity, exacerbated by tightening regulations on essential support programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Resettlement agencies are increasingly reliant on private funding to meet the growing needs of this vulnerable population.
Unforeseen Challenges for Refugees
Yang, the director of refugee services at CIRA, expresses the growing frustration and concern within the refugee community. Many newcomers who once believed they had found safety now face uncertainty and fear as federal policies shift. “When we agreed to resettle them, we promised them safety,” Yang stated, underscoring the gravity of their situation amid evolving political landscapes.
Changing Priorities and Reduced Capacity
Two years ago, Nebraska’s resettlement agencies had a clear mission: facilitate the smooth integration of refugees into American society. Staff members routinely greeted refugees at the airport and assisted them in acclimating to their new environment, including navigating the U.S. banking system and securing employment. But since the onset of restrictive policies under the Trump administration, efforts have stagnated. Funds essential for supporting these newly arrived refugees have dried up, forcing agencies to make tough decisions about staffing and resource allocation.
Heightened Dependence on Private Funding
The funding landscape has shifted dramatically. Major organizations like the International Council on Refugees and Migrants (ICRI) and CIRA have reported significant financial losses due to the resettlement freeze, with CIRA losing approximately $5 million. In response, these agencies are increasingly turning to private contracts and philanthropy to sustain critical refugee support services. However, the available private funding cannot adequately compensate for the federal resources that have been cut.
Exemptions and Tensions in Refugee Policy
Despite the general freeze, a specific group—white South Africans—has been granted resettlement priority under President Trump’s administration. The narrative surrounding these exemptions has raised serious ethical questions among resettlement organizations and advocates. While more than 3,000 white South Africans, known as Afrikaners, have entered the United States since May 2025, agencies voiced concerns over the implications of prioritizing this group over others fleeing genuine crises. As the landscape of refugee policy continues to evolve, many advocates remain hopeful for a future restoration of equitable resettlement practices.
