The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to set a fiscal year 2026 ceiling for refugee admissions of 7,500. 

We are deeply troubled by this reported number, which would be the lowest level set for refugee arrivals in U.S. history. 

This is adrastic reduction from the Fiscal Year 2025 ceiling of 125,000, and with a shift in focus away from religious minorities persecuted for their faith. Setting the refugee ceiling at the historically-low level of 7,500 – at a time when more people are forcibly displaced today than at any other time in recorded history – would be inconsistent with American values and the Christian commitment to care for those who are persecuted, including those persecuted for their faith. Under the authority of the Refugee Act of 1980, the president has the authority and responsibility to set a refugee ceiling — the maximum number of refugees who could be admitted — after consulting with specific congressional leaders. Yet these consultations have reportedly not yet occurred.

Refugees are some of the world’s most vulnerable people, fleeing persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, political opinion or participation in a particular social group. 

We need your help in urging the administration to make the U.S. a haven for refugees seeking to rebuild their lives in safety, including those of all faiths fleeing religious persecution. At a time when there are more refugees globally than ever in recorded history, we need your help to advocate for the vulnerable and marginalized.

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Effect on persecuted Christians

According to the State of the Golden Door report put out in 2020, the number of Christians who face persecution or discrimination because of their faith has risen to 365 million, accounting for 1 in 7 Christians globally. Historically the United States has been a safe haven for our Christian brothers and sisters. In 2020 over 29,000 Christians from particularly at risk countries were admitted to the United States as refugees. If the refugee ceiling is lowered to 7,500 this will all but completely shut the door on persecuted Christians around the globe.