President Donald Trump has halted arrivals of refugees already cleared to enter the United States, according to a memo seen Wednesday, as he quickly pursues a sweeping crackdown on migration. The State Department memo said that Afghans who worked with the United States until the collapse of the Western-backed government in 2021 could still arrive through their separate resettlement program.

After welcoming thousands of families in recent months, agencies are “heartbroken” over an executive order to temporarily suspend admittances.

Refugee flights to the US have been abruptly cancelled following a presidential executive order, leaving thousands stranded and many cases in limbo.