What Refugees in Minnesota Need to Know about “Re-vetting” & Operation PARRIS

A refugee is someone who got approved as a refugee before they came to the United States. Refugees are approved by the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Refugees are different from asylum-seekers, parolees, and other people who are afraid to return to their home country.

You can check if you have Refugee immigration status by looking at your I-94 or EAD (work permit). Learn more about what to look for in the section called What documents can I check to see if I have refugee status? on the IRAP website.

The federal government is reviewing the cases of all refugees who entered the U.S. between January 21, 2021 and February 20, 2025. This includes refugees who now have green cards, and those who have applied for green cards and are still waiting for a decision. 

All pending green card applications for refugees who entered during this time period are now on “hold.” This means the applications will not be processed right now. The government has not said when it will start processing them again. 

As of January 2026, the government is focusing on refugees in Minnesota. They are calling this Operation PARRIS (Post-Admission Refugee Reverification and Integrity Strengthening).

If the government sends you a notice that says you need to go to court, an interview, or any other appointment, you need to go. Even though it’s scary, going to your hearing, appointment, or interview shows that you are following the rules. If you do not go, it could hurt your case and make it easier for them to detain or deport you.

Some refugees may have to do another interview, even though you already did an interview before you came to the U.S. You may have to do this even if you have a green card.

If you get a Notice to Appear, a call-in letter, or are asked to interview, call a lawyer for help right away. You can ask for a free legal aid lawyer by calling I-877-696-6529. 

Find more information on where to find free and paid immigration lawyers under “More Immigration Help” on our Immigration Legal Help page.

If you get a Notice to Appear, learn more in our fact sheet: What to Do If You Get a Notice to Appear for Immigration Court.

Yes. If you can, bring a lawyer with you. If can’t find a lawyer in time, call the State of Minnesota Refugee & Immigrant Helpline at 1-800-814-4806. They might be able to find a volunteer lawyer to go with you. 

If you can’t find a lawyer, you can bring a friend or family member who is a U.S. Citizen to provide support, take notes, and tell others if you are detained. Do not bring someone with you who is also at risk of immigration detention.

At the interview, the government asks you questions related to your refugee case. This could be questions like why you left your home country and why you are afraid to go back. The questions might be like the ones you answered in your interviews before you got to the U.S. 

If you applied for your green card, they might ask you questions about your application.

Even if you feel frustrated that you have to answer the same questions again, try to stay calm. Answer the questions carefully and honestly.

You might be detained even if you do everything right. Learn more about how to make a plan in our fact sheet Resources for People Detained or Worried About Being Detained.

The government has a new “Refugee Detention Policy.” The policy says the government can detain refugees who do not have a green card (permanent residency) yet. The courts are deciding if they can legally do this. You can learn more about the case on the International Refugee Assistance Project website.

• Apply for a Green Card (also called permanent residence or adjustment of status). The State of Minnesota Refugee & Immigrant Helpline can help you find a lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative who can help you apply for free. Call them at 1-800-814-4806.
   
• Make a plan in case you are detained. Learn more about how to do that in our fact sheet Resources for People Detained or Worried About Being Detained.
   
  • Fill out this information sheet and give a copy to someone who can help you if you are detained. Make sure you know your A#!
     
  • Gather important papers. Keep them in a safe place. Make sure someone you trust knows where to find them. Important papers include things like:
    • immigration papers from you when you entered the United States 
    • immigration papers from when you were released from immigration detention
    • papers and documents that show your immigration status or pending immigration applications
    • any other legal papers, like for criminal cases
       
  • Memorize important phone numbers:
    • emergency contacts 
    • your immigration lawyer, if you have one
       
  • If you have children, make a plan for someone to take care of them. You can learn more from our Delegation of Parental Authority (DOPA) fact sheet.