Policy Change: Refugee families who were vetted, invited, and welcomed to the U.S. are now being stripped of their refugee status, with just 10 days to appeal. This is a deadline designed to be impossible to meet. Under this newest phase of Operation PARRIS beginning October 14, 2026, upwards of 5,600 lawfully present refugees in Minnesota could receive termination notices before ever receiving a re-vetting interview.
Now through November 13, this notice is open for public comment at regulations.gov, citing DHS Docket No. USCIS-2026-0397
Take this template and add your own personal details such as:
Template to adapt:
It is unjust and unfair that refugees in Minnesota are receiving Notice of Intent to Terminate their lawful status, with just 10 days to appeal. This is not nearly enough time for them to build a good and strong defense against termination. We must give our refugee neighbors enough of an opportunity to provide proof in support of their refugee claim.
Refugees who arrived between 2021-2024 were fully and strictly vetted, invited, and welcomed to the United States. They are mothers, fathers, and children who experienced fear and persecution in their countries of origin, and are now enduring the same fear and uncertainty in the United States. They are Karen Christians who fled war in Myanmar. Ukrainians, many who continue to watch their communities and loved ones suffer in their homeland. Syrians who waited more than a decade in refugee camps and cities following the civil war that began in 2011. South Sudanese families who have lived much of their lives displaced due to conflict and persecution.
Without a viable appeal process, refugees lose their lawful status, work authorization, and are subjected to removal proceedings. This is not upholding the values of our country that invited these precious people after fleeing persecution to find and seek refuge at our shores. Reverse this change in policy from 10-days to appeal, back to granting a 30-day window to appeal.
Bonus personalized section:
Feel free to add in your unique views on why the regulation’s implementation is burdensome to our community.
For example: “I don’t want my tax dollars used to reinterview my refugee neighbors”
or “I support the reverification of refugee status as long as it doesn’t infringe on the due process provisions that my refugee neighbors are entitled to…”
Policy Change: Medicaid access is ending for 5,000 Minnesota immigrants and refugees. And the majority of the 5,600 refugees affected by Operation PARRIS still await a decision for their families’ future, as most green card processing remains on hold.
As of Oct. 1, hundreds of clients served by Arrive Ministries are no longer eligible for federal Medical Assistance.
In 1980, Congress decided that refugees should be able to receive lawful permanent residence. Today, tens of thousands of people invited to the U.S. under humanitarian protection are caught in limbo. Because of a federal policy, refugee green card processing has been paused since November 2025.
USCIS comment email: public.engagement@uscis.dhs.gov
DHS comment line: 202-282-8495
Policy Change: Another restrictive Presidential Determination on refugee admissions was released, setting next year’s ceiling for refugees at 17,500 individuals.
This mirrors last years’ lowest ceiling in the history of the U.S. refugee program. The president’s refugee determination names only one population as a priority for resettlement, Afrikaners from South Africa. As it has since January 2025, the administration intends to keep the ongoing refugee ban in place restricting the world’s most vulnerable refugees from resettlement. Arrive Ministries grieves yet another refugee ceiling that closes the door on refugees who meet the traditional, international legal definition of a refugee – those outside of their country of origin who have a well-founded fear of persecution.
Policy Change: Travel bans remain for 39 countries.
Preventing refugees overseas from finding safety and permanency through resettlement in the U.S.
Policy Change: A small number of refugees have received Notices of Intent to Terminate their refugee status (NOIT).
Find and call your Congressional representative – Calling is the most effective way to advocate through your representatives.
Know Your Rights are multilingual resources for immigrants providing general information on what to do if you are stopped, arrested, or detained by immigration or other law enforcement.
Specific prayer points:
– For our elected officials, as Scripture commands of us (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
– For the discernment and wisdom over our elected officials (Prov. 21:1).
– For safety for all refugees and other displaced people around the globe
– For the courage to advocate and affirm the dignity of refugees and people in vulnerable situations
– For Christians to welcome the sojourner and foreigner based on biblical principles
Download a full list of prayer points relevant to 2025 suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Program
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Arrive Ministries is a Christian nonprofit serving refugees and immigrants in Minnesota, in partnership with the local church. We are providing ongoing services to thousands of immigrant and refugee neighbors in the Twin Cities and Central Minnesota.
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