Trump administration slashes refugee resettlement numbers to record low

The Trump Administration wants to cap the number of refugees allowed to enter the country next year at a record low of 18 thousand people.

That’s about half the number allowed this current year. And far lower than previous ones.

Washington is among the top ten states to resettle refugees in the U.S.

Trump's final decision on the cap must include consultation with Congress, which could push for a higher total.

In it’s announcement, the State Department said: “The current burdens on the U.S. immigration system must be alleviated before it is again possible to resettle large number of refugees.”

The White House issued a separate Executive Order that requires added consultation with states and localities about settlement of refugees in specific areas. This order would allow state and local governments to block refugees from resettling in their jurisdiction.