1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

As your constituent, I write to ask you to oppose the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rule, RIN 1615-AD23, which would eliminate the 30-day notice and response period for refugees facing termination of their status. Refugees have fled war, persecution, torture, political repression, and threats to their lives. Many have spent years in displacement, separated from family, and navigating unfamiliar legal systems in a language they may not speak fluently. After reaching safety, they should not face the loss of their refugee status through a process that denies them a meaningful opportunity to be heard. Under the current regulation, a refugee whose status may be terminated receives written notice and 30 days to respond with evidence, explanations, or a request for an interview. This safeguard gives people time to understand the government’s concerns, correct errors, obtain records, and seek legal assistance. The proposed change would remove that protection. It is particularly troubling because termination of refugee status may lead to removal proceedings and family separation. The existing regulation does not provide a standard administrative appeal after USCIS terminates status. Without the 30-day response period, a refugee could lose status without a meaningful opportunity to contest an erroneous decision. Errors can arise from incomplete records, translation problems, differences in the spelling of names, misunderstandings, or facts that are difficult to document after years of displacement. Refugees may also be coping with trauma, limited English proficiency, unstable housing, and difficulty obtaining legal counsel. These realities make advance notice and a meaningful opportunity to respond essential. I recognize that the government must be able to terminate refugee status when the law requires it. But any such decision must follow a fair, transparent, and reliable process. Efficiency must not come at the expense of due process or human safety. I ask you to oppose RIN 1615-AD23, conduct vigorous oversight of the proposal, and use every available legislative and appropriations measure to prevent its implementation. We urge Congress to ensure that refugees receive written notice, adequate time to respond, access to the grounds for proposed termination, and meaningful administrative review before their status can be terminated. Refugees who have survived persecution deserve the protection of law. Due process is not optional. It is essential.