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Administration Lowers Refugee Cap; Actual Admissions Tell the Story

U.S. On Pace to Admit Fewer Than 22,000 Refugees This Year

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This afternoon Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced a refugee cap of 30,000 for fiscal year 2019, which begins Oct. 1.

Despite this year’s cap of 45,000, the U.S. had admitted 19,899 refugees as of Aug. 31, on pace for 21,708 by the end of the fiscal year. The number of refugees in the world has increased to 25.4 million from 22.5 million a year ago, according to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency.

The cap is a new low for the second consecutive year.

“To admit so few refugees into our nation of plenty is unconscionable,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “The need for nations to welcome refugees fleeing violence and terror has never been greater. Refugees are heavily vetted. They are key economic contributors. Where is our humanity?

“This decision will further diminish America’s standing in the world. In the face of crises that call for moral leadership, the economic and security repercussions to American interests will be significant.”

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