The Trump administration announced Thursday that the United States will admit no more than 7,500 refugees in the upcoming fiscal year — the lowest cap in the nation’s history.
The new limit marks a sharp decline from previous years. The refugee ceiling was 30,000 in 2019 and 18,000 in 2020. Administration officials said the reduction aligns with efforts to prioritize national security and focus admissions on individuals from regions deemed most in need, including Afrikaner refugees.
President Donald Trump has framed the move as part of his administration’s “America First” policy, emphasizing that limiting refugee entries allows the government to direct more resources toward U.S. citizens and legal residents.
The Department of State said the lower limit reflects both available resources and the need to improve resettlement processes for those admitted. Officials noted that ongoing assessments of global conflicts and humanitarian priorities informed the decision.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, more than 26 million people worldwide are currently displaced.
Advocacy groups say the U.S. reduction could weaken international cooperation on refugee resettlement and diminish the country’s global influence.
