President Sets 2026 Refugee Caps: Who's Coming In?
Published Date: 10/31/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
The President has set a limit of 7,500 refugees allowed into the U.S. for Fiscal Year 2026, focusing mainly on Afrikaners from South Africa and others facing unfair treatment in their home countries. This decision balances kindness with national security, following strict rules to keep everyone safe. The new refugee plan kicks in starting October 1, 2025, and will guide how the government spends resources on welcoming these new arrivals.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
7,500 Refugee Cap for FY2026
The President authorized admissions of up to 7,500 refugees to the United States during Fiscal Year 2026. This determination was signed September 30, 2025 and sets a numerical ceiling on refugee admissions for FY2026.
Priority for Afrikaners and Discrimination Victims
The determination says admissions shall "primarily be allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa and other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination in their respective homelands." This directs that priority for the FY2026 admissions ceiling focus on those groups.
Most Stringent ID Checks Required (EO 14161)
The determination specifies that refugee admissions are subject to Executive Order 14161, which mandates that refugees receive the most stringent identification verification of any class of alien seeking admission or entry to the United States.
Entry Suspended Except by Joint Determination (EO 14163)
The determination states refugee admissions are subject to Executive Order 14163, which suspends the entry of refugees except when the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security jointly determine an admission is in the national interest and does not threaten U.S. security or welfare.
Admissions Subject to Proclamation 10949 Restrictions
The determination makes refugee admissions subject to Proclamation 10949, which restricts the entry of certain foreign nationals whose admission would be detrimental to the national interest.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-12435 — National Homeownership Month, 2026
June 2026 is National Homeownership Month, and the President is making homes more affordable for hardworking families and young Americans. New rules stop big investors from buying up single-family homes, and $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities will help lower borrowing costs. These changes aim to fix past mistakes, protect honest buyers, and make owning a home easier and fairer starting now.
2026-12283 — Restoring American Commercial Fishing in the Pacific
The President is reopening huge areas of Pacific waters for American commercial fishing, boosting jobs and local economies while keeping fish and ocean life safe. This change affects fishing communities and businesses that follow smart, science-based rules already in place. The new access starts right away, making it a big win for hardworking fishers and the environment alike.
2026-11594 — Implementing Schedule Policy/Career in the Excepted Service
This new rule affects federal employees in important policy jobs, making it easier to remove those who don’t do their jobs well while still hiring based on merit, not politics. Starting now, these policy-focused career roles will have clearer rules for accountability and rewards for great work. This change helps keep the government effective and fair, with no extra costs or delays announced.
2026-11595 — Strengthening Customs Enforcement
The government is cracking down on customs rules to stop illegal goods and make sure importers pay their fair share. Importers will need to show they have enough money or assets to cover their duties, and new rules will roll out within 180 days. This means safer trade, stronger borders, and fairer business for everyone.
2026-11415 — Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security
The President is boosting America’s leadership in advanced AI by cutting red tape and teaming up with private companies to make AI safer and stronger. This means faster tech upgrades, better cyber defenses, and protecting American ideas from theft—all starting right away with key actions due within 30 days. If you work in government or AI industries, get ready for big changes that speed innovation while keeping our country secure.
2026-11314 — Further Adjusting the Tariff Regimes for Imports of Aluminum, Steel, and Copper Into the United States
The U.S. is updating tariffs on aluminum, steel, and copper imports to keep our national security strong. Big changes include higher taxes on metal products starting soon, affecting importers and industries using these metals. These moves aim to protect American jobs and industries while keeping prices fair.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19641 — National Energy Dominance Month, 2025
In 2025, the President declared October as National Energy Dominance Month to celebrate and boost America’s energy power by drilling more oil, mining minerals, and reviving coal and nuclear energy. This plan affects energy companies, workers, and all Americans by aiming to lower energy prices and create jobs while cutting red tape. The push starts immediately and promises a stronger, more independent energy future with big economic benefits.
Next: 2025-19753 — Presidential Determination on Transferring the United States Program of Initial Refugee Resettlement
The President has decided to move the U.S. refugee resettlement program to the Department of Health and Human Services to make things run smoother and save taxpayer money. This change helps refugees get settled faster and better by having one agency in charge, working closely with local communities. The switch starts soon and aims to improve how the government supports refugees arriving in America.