Trump Administration Plans Record Cut in Refugee Admissions

The Trump administration plans to cut the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling to a record low of 7,500 in 2025. That figure is nearly half the previous minimum of 15,000, also set by Trump in 2020. According to The New York Times, most of the limited slots may be allocated to South Africans claiming “unjust discrimination.”

Documents show that the decision, already signed by the president, reflects a shift in U.S. migration priorities. The move would effectively shut the door to thousands of refugee families from the Middle East and Africa — including Iran, Congo, and Sudan — many of whom have already been vetted and meet U.S. resettlement standards.

Human rights advocates strongly condemned the plan, warning that it undermines America’s international commitments and damages trust in its refugee system. The White House, however, argues that the program should align with “national interests” and prioritize groups deemed closer to the country’s “historical and cultural values.”