Additional Coverage:
Newly confirmed Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wasted no time implementing President Trump’s executive orders on immigration and refugee resettlement. A State Department source revealed that Rubio has directed the department to halt refugee resettlement programs.
He has also ordered enhanced vetting procedures for visa applicants from regions deemed high-risk. These actions are in direct response to executive orders signed by President Trump following his inauguration on Monday.
Trump’s orders address both refugee admissions and national security threats. One order suspends the U.S.
Refugee Admissions Program, citing its negative impact on national interests. The other mandates increased scrutiny of all visa applicants, particularly those from areas with known security risks.
The refugee order does allow for case-by-case exceptions based on national interest and security considerations.
Rubio, the 72nd Secretary of State, was unanimously confirmed by the Senate on Monday and sworn in Tuesday morning. In remarks to the State Department, he emphasized the need for the agency to adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape. He stressed the importance of anticipating future challenges and modernizing the department’s operations.
Immigration was a central theme of Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign. During his inaugural address, he pledged to declare a national emergency at the southern border, halt illegal immigration, and reinstate the “Remain in Mexico” policy. He also vowed to deploy troops to the border and end “catch and release” practices.