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.
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