The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States has released a new memorandum on February 18 that enables the detainment of foreigners who are currently residing legally in the country. This policy mainly impacts thousands of refugees who are in the process of obtaining their green cards but have not yet achieved permanent residency. As this news broke, migrant advocacy groups expressed their concerns about the legality of the order, deeming it "unjust and absurd."

With the administration of President Donald Trump at the helm, the memorandum mandates that refugees who apply for a green card must undergo a review process one year after filing their application. This move is officially justified as a way to verify the legitimacy of green card applications, but critics argue that it places unnecessary burdens on vulnerable populations already living in uncertainty and fear of detention.

Furthermore, the implications of such a policy are profound as it could lead to an increase in the number of legal residents being apprehended or detained, undermining the protections that refugees typically receive in the United States. The decision has ignited a fierce debate about immigration policy and human rights, with advocates calling for immediate legal challenges to ensure that the rights of already vulnerable populations are not sidelined by new governmental directives.