New Limit on Number of Allowed Refugees

BURBANK CA – A few months before elections and as the 2020 fiscal year closes, the Trump administration cuts back the number of refugees it plans to accept in the United States during the 2021 fiscal year. Trump is making this new cap an all-time low.

(The White House // David Mark for Pixabay)

Since his presidency started, Trump has been going after refugees and immigrants. Rolling back programs and setting low numbers for the number of refugees allowed to be in the United States.

During 2016 the Obama administration allowed as many as 110,000 refugees in the United States. However, during 2018 the Trump administration cut back the number of refugees permitted by 45,000. During the next years, he would keep cutting down and set the cap at 15,000 for the fiscal year 2021.

During the fiscal year 2020, the United States only saw 11,000 refugees out of the 18,000 allowed.

The Trump administration has used Covid-19 as a reason to deny and restrict the legal ways people can come to the United States. Trump has restricted travel and closed land borders. Trump has also used the claims of national security to deny entry to those of Muslim countries. Even though refugees apply from their homeland and the United States performs an extensive background check before they can come.

There is a strong belief that the reason behind the low numbers of allowed refugees is a campaign tactic. During his rallies, Trump mentions that refugees are a burden to the country. Trump claims that refugees will cost taxpayers more money. This belief is appealing to his core followers.

On the opposing side Democratic nominee, Joe Biden has stated that he would be willing to take in 125,000 refugees if elected. Shortly after this statement was made, Trump warned his followers that Biden would flood their states with refugees.

By: Miriam Frutos Rodriguez

Contribution: CBS News, New York Times

Photo: David Mark

Audio: Miriam Frutos Rodriguez (commentary)

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