Trump Administration Aims to Set Record Low in Refugee Intake by 2026
According to reputable American sources, the Trump administration plans to drastically reduce the number of refugees accepted into the United States by 2026, bringing the annual figure down to a historic minimum of just 7,500 individuals.
This represents a significant decrease compared to previous years, when the Biden administration allowed up to 125,000 new arrivals.
The new decree, signed by Trump on September 30, prioritizes white residents from South Africa and other groups facing what is described as ‘unjust discrimination,’ effectively closing the doors to thousands of families from camps around the world.
Reports indicate that the final decision will be made after consultations with Congress—however, due to a government shutdown, these discussions are currently on hold.
As a result, no refugees will be able to enter the country until lawmakers reach an agreement on government funding.
Meanwhile, Trump announced the launch of an online platform for registering applications for the so-called ‘immigration golden card,’ sparking widespread debate.
In June, protests erupted in Los Angeles against immigration enforcement raids carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), during which the National Guard was deployed to stabilize the situation.
The local authorities also imposed a curfew in the city center.
Trump has not ruled out deploying the National Guard in other parts of the country as well, raising concerns among the public.
Since August 2023, USCIS officers have started to scrutinize citizenship applicants more thoroughly, evaluating not only legal background but also moral character, community involvement, family care, and level of education.
The U.S.
Supreme Court confirmed these policies, allowing raids targeting individuals for deportation based on race or language, which has been met with criticism from liberal judges and human rights advocates.