Federal Judge Blocks Detention of Long-Term Refugees Without Green Cards

A federal judge has issued a court order blocking the detention of refugees who were lawfully admitted to the United States more than a year ago and who have not yet received their permanent resident cards (green cards). The ruling provides legal protection to a potentially vulnerable population caught in the gap between refugee admission and the finalization of their lawful permanent resident status. Refugees admitted to the United States are generally eligible to apply for a green card after one year of continuous presence under the Refugee Act. However, processing delays at USCIS mean many refugees remain in legal limbo for extended periods after becoming eligible, without a finalized green card in hand. While this ruling primarily concerns refugees rather than EB-3 employment-based applicants, it reflects a broader judicial pushback against immigration enforcement actions targeting individuals with valid lawful status. For EB-3 applicants in similar administrative backlogs, the case underscores the legal distinction between having a pending or approved petition and holding a physical green card. Immigration advocates have welcomed the decision as an important protection for lawfully present individuals who face procedural delays outside their control. The ruling may have implications for how courts evaluate detention of other immigrant groups experiencing USCIS processing backlogs.