Faith
Trump Sets Lowest-Ever Refugee Cap for 2026
Faith Facts
- The U.S. refugee ceiling for 2026 will be reduced to 7,500, the lowest in history, with priority given to Afrikaners from South Africa.
- This significant decrease follows previous years that had higher limits under both the Biden and Obama administrations.
- Christian organizations express concern that persecuted believers and families in dire need will be left behind due to this policy shift.
The Trump administration has announced a severe reduction in the U.S. refugee admission limit, prioritizing certain groups while leaving many vulnerable behind.
Faith-based leaders warn this move could neglect persecuted Christians and others fleeing violence and tyranny, undermining America’s tradition of offering refuge to the oppressed.
“The admissions numbers shall primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa pursuant to Executive Order 14204, and other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination in their respective homelands,” stated the Federal Register document.
Christian groups like World Relief and the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission have urged for a higher refugee ceiling, emphasizing compassion and America’s responsibility to those suffering for their faith.
“At a time when there are more refugees globally than ever in recorded history, when Christians and others face horrific persecution on account of their faith, the U.S. will do less than ever to offer refuge,” said Myal Greene, president of World Relief.
The shift away from assisting broader groups of persecuted people, including those who have served alongside American forces, raises concerns among church leaders about upholding Biblical values of mercy and justice.
“By drastically reducing the number of refugees to be admitted in the coming year, and by prioritizing Afrikaners from South Africa for nearly all those slots, the White House is shamefully abandoning the tens of thousands of bona fide refugees who have already been vetted and approved for resettlement in the US,” stated faith leaders from Church World Service.
Americans who treasure faith and liberty are called to pray for our nation’s leaders and to advocate for policies that reflect God’s command to love the stranger and defend the vulnerable.