Executive Order 14204

Executive Order 14204 represents a moderate threat to democratic governance and constitutional norms. While foreign policy is largely an executive domain, the order's unilateral cessation of aid to a sovereign nation, based on disputed interpretations of that nation's domestic policies and geopolitical stances, challenges the separation of powers. The order frames its justification in highly political, subjective language, moving away from neutral principles of international law. The prioritization of a specific refugee group based on political narrative, rather than standard humanitarian processing, politicizes the immigration system. The primary threat lies in the consolidation of foreign policy power and the potential violation of Congress's appropriations authority.

• Potential violation of the Impoundment Control Act if congressionally appropriated funds are halted without congressional approval.
• Politicization of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to serve foreign policy narratives.

• Congress should review the legality of the aid suspension under the Impoundment Control Act and assert its power of the purse if necessary.
• The State Department and DHS should ensure refugee prioritization remains consistent with the Refugee Act of 1980 and international law, rather than political expedience.