The U.S. will admit up to 125,000 refugees in fiscal year 2025, as outlined in the Presidential Determination on Refugee Admissions, which was published in the Federal Register on Friday. This ceiling was set by President Joe Biden when he signed the official determination, continuing the same limit established in previous years.
The refugee admissions are divided across five global regions. The Biden administration has approved the following allocations for FY2025: 30,000 to 50,000 from Africa, 10,000 to 20,000 from East Asia, 2,000 to 3,000 from Europe and Central Asia, 35,000 to 50,000 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and 30,000 to 45,000 from the Near East and South Asia.
These ranges are designed to provide flexibility, but the total admissions across all regions cannot exceed 125,000.
If necessary, the government is authorized to transfer unused allocations from one region to another after notifying Congress. This allows for adjustments based on evolving global needs.
The 125,000 cap has been in place since FY2022. In FY2024, approximately 100,000 refugees were admitted, while nearly 60,000 were accepted in FY2023 and 25,000 in FY2022.
In FY2021, the ceiling was 62,500, but only 11,411 refugees were admitted. Under the Trump administration, the quota was drastically reduced to 18,000 for FY2020, with 11,814 refugees admitted.
Previous years saw fluctuating numbers, with 30,000 admitted in 2019 and 22,655 in 2018, following respective quotas of 30,000 and 45,000 for those years.
Support NepYork – Your Nonprofit News Media for the Nepali Community
NepYork, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the Showcase of Nepalis in New York, delivering timely local news and vital resources on immigration, housing, taxes, health, business, and more. Our mission is to safeguard community journalism, amplify the voices of Nepali immigrants in NYC, and foster understanding, solidarity, and empowerment.
By donating to NepYork, you help us enhance participation in democracy, improve access to essential resources, and share authentic stories that reflect the vibrant, diverse experiences of Nepali New Yorkers. Together, we can connect, inform, and empower our community. Every contribution ensures these voices are heard and valued.
Donate today to keep Nepali stories alive and thriving in New York!
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
