US cuts refugee status challenge deadline to 10 days

The United States has cut the time refugees have to challenge the termination of their legal status from 30 days to 10 days, effective immediately. The administration of President Donald Trump says the move is part of broader efforts to tighten immigration controls and review refugee admissions, but advocates warn it could lead to more deportations.

The Department of Homeland Security said the measure is meant to address potential risks involving people admitted as refugees who allegedly failed to meet eligibility requirements. The policy targets concerns around refugees admitted during former President Joe Biden's administration. Immigration authorities claim that period had weaknesses in screening and verification procedures.

185,000 cases under review

At least 185,000 refugees admitted during Biden's presidency who have pending green card applications are already undergoing government reviews. Authorities have not disclosed how many people could ultimately be affected. Immigration advocates warn the shortened deadline could leave thousands vulnerable to losing their legal protection.

Refugee groups push back

Refugee resettlement organisations criticised the 10-day deadline. They argue it gives affected individuals insufficient time to obtain legal representation and gather supporting documents.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, president of Global Refuge, said many refugees had already undergone extensive background checks and interviews before receiving approval to enter the United States. She argued that requiring them to defend their status within 10 days could make it difficult to obtain legal assistance, translate documents or retrieve records from countries they fled.

Refugee assistance organisation HIAS warned the policy could expose vulnerable individuals to deportation to countries where they face persecution or violence.

USCIS spokesperson Zach Kahler defended the decision. He said the administration was strengthening refugee screening procedures to ensure protection is granted only to eligible applicants.

Wider immigration crackdown

The change follows a series of immigration restrictions since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. In September 2026, the administration announced plans to limit refugee admissions to 17,500 for the 2027 fiscal year, with most places expected to be allocated to white South Africans. That is a significant departure from the Biden administration's annual refugee admissions target of 125,000.

The administration had earlier suspended refugee admissions before reopening the programme with substantially narrower eligibility priorities.

Under US immigration rules, refugees are generally screened and approved outside the country before arrival, unlike asylum seekers who apply for protection at the border or from within the United States. Refugees can later apply for permanent residency through the green card process.

Earlier in May, USCIS announced that certain foreign nationals temporarily residing in the country, including Nigerians, would generally be required to return to their home countries to apply for Green Cards, subject to exceptions.

For Nigerians with US immigration plans, the direction is clear. Refugee and green card routes are facing tighter scrutiny and shorter windows.