Following a preliminary injunction in the Pacito v. Trump case, the U.S. Department of State has resumed processing visa applications for Following-to-Join (FTJ) beneficiaries—relatives of refugees already settled in the United States.
The FTJ program, part of the broader U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), allows family members, such as spouses and unmarried children under 21, to join refugees who have already been granted asylum or resettlement in the U.S.
The Pacito v. Trump case, filed by advocacy groups and affected families, challenged restrictions imposed on the FTJ program, arguing that they violated legal protections for refugees and their right to family reunification under U.S. and international law.
“Consistent with the preliminary injunction in Pacito v. Trump, the Department of State has resumed processing the Following-to-Join beneficiaries who are relatives of refugees already in the United States,” said the U.S. Department of State.
The Department will reach out directly to beneficiaries whose appointments were previously canceled to reschedule them. It will also proceed with applications for those who have already completed their interviews. However, beneficiaries pursuing their applications will need a sponsor to cover the costs of medical exams and travel to the U.S.
This change comes after the Department halted all FTJ refugee processing on February 7, 2025, under Executive Order 14163, “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, shortly after his inauguration. The executive order aimed to tighten eligibility criteria and reduce the overall number of refugees admitted to the U.S.
The suspension had paused FTJ refugee travel eligibility decisions at U.S. embassies and consulates globally, leaving thousands of families in limbo as they awaited reunification with loved ones already resettled in the U.S.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
