News > Press Releases
Refugee Cap Set at Lowest Level Since Beginning of Program Despite Continuing Threats of Persecution
Posted on Oct 01 2020
October 1, 2020— Once again, the Trump administration is saying no to desperate refugees who have already completed the application process, already been vetted, and now wait in dismal camps around the world. By law, the president sets the cap on refugee admissions each year. For Fiscal Year 2020, he set that cap at 18,000, the lowest number since the beginning of the refugee admissions program. For Fiscal Year 2021, which began today, he slashed it even further to 15,000.
Even worse, actual refugee admissions to the United States in Fiscal Year 2020 were less than 11,000. Of the 4,000 slots allotted to Iraqis whose lives are in danger because of their work for the United States, only 123 were admitted.
“The Trump administration’s hostility toward refugees betrays U.S. ideals and commitments,” said Veena Iyer, executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM). “Slashing refugee numbers and refusing admission to desperate people whose lives are in danger, especially those whose lives are in danger because of their service to U.S. soldiers and peacekeepers, is appalling. Instead of leading the world in protecting the persecuted, the actions of this administration are an abdication of leadership.”
People applying for refugee status have already been vetted by the U.N. High Commission on Refugees. Those who are granted U.N. refugee status typically languish for years in refugee camps. Only a small percentage are eventually allowed to apply for admission to the United States. Those allowed to apply then go through a stringent U.S. application and vetting process.
In 2016, the United States admitted 84,994 refugees. Minnesota welcomed 2,635 of them. In 2020, the United States admitted 10,892 refugees through September 25, 2020. Minnesota welcomed 289 of those refugees. The largest numbers came from Burma (187) and from Ukraine (67).