U.N. Refugee Chief Says U.S. Deportations May Violate Law
On Oct. 7, 2025 UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told the UNHCR executive committee in Geneva that some current deportation practices — explicitly citing the United States — address migration challenges in ways that may be inconsistent with international law. Grandi also warned a broader backlash against refugees, disclosed that UNHCR has cut nearly 5,000 jobs this year amid funding shortfalls, and his remarks prompted a State Department spokesman to defend U.S. immigration policies.
International
Immigration
📌 Key Facts
- Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner, said at the UNHCR executive-committee opening (Oct. 7, 2025) that 'some current deportation practices — such as in the United States — ... in manners not consistent with international law.'
- UNHCR disclosed it has slashed nearly 5,000 jobs this year, roughly one-quarter of its workforce, tied to drastic funding cuts.
- UNHCR said the number of displaced people rose to about 122 million and that the agency receives roughly $5 billion annually—about half what it estimates it needs; the U.S. State Department publicly defended U.S. immigration policies in response.