Refugee Resettlement in Uncertain Times

The issue of refugee resettlement is deeply woven into the American story. Yet, under certain administrations, this story has been marred by hurdles and setbacks. As we face another Trump administration, we must take an honest look at what lies ahead for the U.S. refugee resettlement program based on the trajectory it took during his first term. The refugee community and those who serve them know that policies can transform lives and futures—for better or for worse.

From 2017 to 2021, refugee resettlement in the United States faced unprecedented restrictions under the Trump administration. Over those four years, the administration cut annual refugee admissions by more than 80%, reducing the cap from 110,000 to a historic low of 15,000. Such drastic cuts did not simply lower numbers on paper—they dismantled systems, slowed processing times, and left thousands of the world’s most vulnerable people in limbo. Those of us working on the ground witnessed not just a reduction in the number of individuals we could welcome but a demoralizing unraveling of what the U.S. had committed to as a humanitarian leader.

With another Trump administration, it’s likely we would again see refugee caps cut dramatically, along with a suite of restrictive policies making it harder for applicants to be approved. Given the rhetoric and policy moves during his first term, we could expect more obstacles, potentially even more sweeping than before, targeting asylum seekers, certain ethnic and religious groups, and countries already facing significant hardships.

Beyond quotas, however, are the broader implications of dismantling a complex resettlement infrastructure built over decades. With fewer refugees being admitted, resettlement agencies faced funding cuts during Trump’s first term, forcing many to close or downsize drastically. These are not mere logistical shifts—they are consequences that reverberate across refugee and immigrant communities, affecting families in need of stability, children seeking education, and individuals hoping to contribute to the fabric of this country. For those resettled here, these agencies are not just service providers; they are lifelines. When resettlement infrastructure weakens, it is our communities that suffer, along with the future generations who will feel the impacts of opportunities and dreams deferred.

But history can be a lesson. Although Trump’s first term left scars on refugee resettlement, it also galvanized a renewed commitment across communities to support refugees. Nonprofits, community groups, and local governments have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, rallying around the principles that make resettlement not only a priority but an embodiment of our nation’s values. This experience gives us hope and a playbook, should we again face restrictive policies. In Rhode Island, at Dorcas International, we have already started preparing for how we can continue to support refugee and immigrant communities amid possible changes.

Local communities will have a critical role in shaping the future, especially if federal support dwindles. Resettlement work is rooted in community-driven care and acceptance, and I believe that our communities will rise to the challenge, regardless of federal roadblocks. After all, we have seen how cities, states, and everyday citizens stepped in to support Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees. This compassion and unity remain our strongest tools.

Another Trump administration may bring an environment that is harsher and more difficult for refugee resettlement, but with the memory of past experience and the strength of our communities, I believe we can keep this critical work moving forward.

Dr. Justin D. Bibee serves as the Assistant Director of Refugee Resettlement, Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island