Grade 3 of 5: Serious Rights Violation
ICE Directed to Detain Lawfully Admitted Refugees Who Lack Green Cards After One Year (February 2026)
The administration told ICE it may arrest and hold refugees, who were vetted for years before admission, simply because they have not yet obtained green cards a year after arrival, even though the government itself has frozen many green-card applications. Refugees and resettlement agencies sued; as of mid-September 2026 the case was at cross-motions for summary judgment, with no final ruling.