The Trump administration announced it will cut the annual ceiling for refugee admissions to 18,000 for the upcoming fiscal year, a new low for the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program established under the Refugee Act of 1980. The cap is down from 30,000 in the prior year and far below historical levels set by both Republican and Democratic administrations.
Officials framed the reduction as a response to security vetting demands and a backlog of asylum cases at the southern border. The presidential determination, made after consultation with Congress, also outlines priority slots within the 18,000 total—such as places for certain religious minorities, Iraqi nationals who assisted U.S. forces, and some applicants from Central America—while leaving a limited number for other categories.
Refugee resettlement organizations and some state and local leaders criticized the move, arguing it undermines U.S. humanitarian leadership and disrupts local resettlement networks that rely on predictable arrivals. They note that refugee admissions are distinct from asylum claims at the border, with refugees undergoing extensive overseas screening prior to entry.
In a related step, the White House issued an executive order directing that states and localities must affirmatively consent to receive resettled refugees. Supporters say the policy increases local input; critics contend it could politicize placements and fragment a national program. The State Department is expected to issue operational guidance as the fiscal year begins.
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