HIAS, other groups sue Trump administration over refugee freeze

Jewish refugee support non-profit HIAS has joined two other pro-refugee organizations in a federal lawsuit challenging US President Donald Trump’s indefinite suspension of the US resettlement program, saying refugees and their families face irreparable harm if it is allowed to remain in effect.

The legal challenge, filed in US District Court in Washington State, argues that Trump exceeded his executive authority by abruptly shutting down the program and freezing funding to aid refugees already in the United States.

The lawsuit is filed by HIAS, Church World Service, and Lutheran Community Services Northwest, as well as nine refugees and US-based family members.

The complainants cite the possibility of serious harm to refugees and call on the court to “restore the important and historic American tradition of protecting and aiding people fleeing persecution.”

Trump, a Republican, immediately paused refugee resettlement after taking office on January 20, saying the program must ensure that refugees admitted to the US “appropriately assimilate” and that taxpayer resources are not wasted.

Days later, funds for US groups that assist refugees already in the country were frozen as part of a larger pause on foreign aid.