IRC Urges US Administration to Reconsider Decision on Refugee Admissions Cap for Fiscal Year 2026

New York, NY, October 30, 2025 - The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is deeply disappointed by the presidential determination for fiscal year 2026 announcedtoday that sets the lowest ever resettlement cap in the history of the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). According to the announcement, the 7,500 resettlement slots made available are to be "primarily" allocated to Afrikaners from South Africa. At the same time, the January 20th executive ordergenerally suspending refugee admissions and the June 4th travel banremain in place, barring most refugees unless they receive special exemptions.

For 45 years, the USRAP has stood as a beacon of hope and a testament to American leadership and humanitarian values. The program has provided safety and opportunity to millions of the world's most vulnerable and has been a benefit to American communities. Americans across party lines support continuing refugee resettlement. A recent poll shows that nearly 70% of likely voters believe the U.S. should maintain a program that welcomes people seeking safety. Another studyshows that a reduction of lawful pathways, including the USRAP, could cost the US economy almost $900 billion between 2025 and 2028.

The IRC urges the administration to reassess and reconsider this decision, particularly in light of record levels of global displacement, with over 42 million refugees forced from their homes by conflict and persecution. This year's resettlement levels should extend America's offer of safety to those refugees who are most at-risk, including more than 100,000 who have passed all vetting and are waiting patiently in line. If not, the refugee admissions cap that has been announced for 2026 will leave families separatedand vulnerable individuals stranded.