From The Boston Globe · · 40s
Trump suspends refugee program, leaves thousands in limbo
Trump's refugee program suspension traps families in Iran after 2025 cutoff.
In brief
Trump's refugee program suspension traps families in Iran after 2025 cutoff. Trump's suspension of the Lautenberg refugee program since January 2025 has left thousands of persecuted religious minorities stranded without resettlement. Originally reported by The Boston Globe.
Lautenberg Program suspension
The Lautenberg Program, named for New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, was enacted in 1990 to resettlement for persecuted religious minorities.
Thousands stranded since 2025
The program's suspension since January 2025 has left thousands of persecuted religious minorities without resettlement pathways.
Helbert's story
Helbert, an Armenian Christian from Iran, was approved for resettlement but remains stuck in Iran after the program's suspension in 2025.
The key point
Trump's suspension of the Lautenberg refugee program since January 2025 has left thousands of persecuted religious minorities stranded without resettlement.
