State officials say about half the number of refugees are expected in Colorado this year as a result of an executive order from President Trump.

Colorado had expected 55 refugees in the next few days, according to state officials, who are scrambling to understand the reach of Trump’s executive order on the subject.

Refugee families were expected from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services.

There were no refugees traveling to Colorado when Trump signed the directive last week, according to state officials.

“This pertains to the official refugee program only, and does not include green card holders or others who may have been delayed or detained in their travel,” said a state human services official, who responded to a request from ColoradoPolitics.com.

Trump last week suspended immigration to the United States from seven countries for 90 days. The Muslim-majority countries include Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The president also suspended all refugee admission for 120 days.

The president’s directive spurred nationwide protests, as both Republicans and Democrats attempt to understand the reach of the order.

The Colorado Department of Human Services estimates that refugee arrivals to Colorado for the entire federal fiscal year will total 1,042, about half what it expected before Trump’s order. The estimate takes into account the number expected if the moratorium is lifted after the 120 days, as well as those who have already arrived.

Until the executive order, the state expected 2,195 refugees would resettle in Colorado over the fiscal year.

“It felt like we could do a good job in welcoming them and offering them opportunity. The fact that we can no longer do that for 1,000 vulnerable individuals who are in need of a new opportunity is disappointing,” said Kit Taintor, the state’s refugee coordinator.

Gov. John Hickenlooper, a Democrat, urged Trump to rescind the order.

“The executive order serves as a powerful recruiting tool for our enemies and needlessly antagonizes our allies around the world,” Hickenlooper said in a statement ” We believe that Americans will be less safe, at home and abroad, if the executive order is fully implemented.”

Since October 2016, Colorado resettled 736 refugees. Of those, 88 have been Syrian.

The state expected 83 additional Syrian refugees by the end of the federal fiscal year.

In 2016,  Colorado took in 1,960 refugees. The year before, the state took in 1,853, followed by 1,991 in 2014 and 1,854 in 2013.

Taintor pointed out that refugees are among the most vetted group to enter the United States. It can take years before they are placed in a state. Their information is logged in a database with fingerprints and biometric information.

Placement decisions are made at the federal level. Authorities take into account whether refugees have family already in the United States, as well as medical issues, among other factors.

Much of the fear around refugees – especially from Syria – gained momentum in 2015 following the Paris terrorist attacks. The Islamic State group took credit for hits on bars, restaurants, a concert hall and a stadium, in which 130 people died.

While none of the Paris attackers were Syrian refugees, a Syrian passport was found at the scene of the crime, though it turned out to be fake.

State officials will continue to work on refugee programs for those who already made it to Colorado. Human Services continues to evaluate the impact Trump’s directive will have on Colorado.

“The refugees that we know are wanting to start over here,” Taintor said. “They are fleeing the very things that we fear, and they’re hoping for a new future for themselves and their kids.”