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DetDeterminationTrump 45 · R Quiet signal

Presidential Determination

Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2019

This presidential determination sets the FY 2019 refugee admissions cap at 30,000, the lowest level at that time in the program's history, with specific regional allocations. It also designates certain in-country populations (Cuba, Eurasia/Baltics, Iraq, Honduras/Guatemala/El Salvador, and exceptional embassy-identified cases) as eligible for refugee consideration without having fled their countries.

Federal Register Open PDF 83 FR 55091

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

  2. FY 2019 refugee admissions period

Key directives

  • Set FY 2019 refugee admissions ceiling at 30,000
  • Allocate admissions regionally: Africa 11,000; East Asia 4,000; Europe/Central Asia 3,000; Latin America/Caribbean 3,000; Near East/South Asia 9,000
  • Include Amerasian immigrants in East Asia allocation
  • Authorize regional reallocation of unused admissions after congressional notification
  • Determine that overseas refugee admissions assistance serves foreign policy interests
  • Designate in-country populations in Cuba, Eurasia/Baltics, Iraq, Honduras/Guatemala/El Salvador, and exceptional embassy cases as eligible for refugee status
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • 30,000 refugee admissions cap takes effect for FY 2019 (October 1, 2018)
  • Regional allocations become operative
  • In-country refugee processing designations for specified populations take effect

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication required
  • Congressional notification for any regional reallocation of unused admissions

Long term

  • Sets precedent for historically low refugee ceiling
  • Establishes framework for in-country processing in Central America and other designated locations

Risks & tensions

  • Dramatic reduction from prior-year ceiling of 45,000 (FY 2018) and 110,000 (FY 2017) continues downward trajectory
  • In-country processing in Central America may create tension with asylum system at southern border
  • Regional reallocation authority provides flexibility but may concentrate admissions unpredictably
  • Low ceiling strains refugee resettlement infrastructure and international humanitarian commitments
Presidential Determination: Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions for Fiscal Year 2019 · Executive Orders