Tracking every rollback, reversal, and overreach — and the path back to the America we know.
This determination sets the maximum number of refugees to be admitted to the United States during fiscal year 2026. It establishes admission ceilings and allocations by region, directly affecting refugee resettlement organizations and individuals seeking asylum. The decision impacts humanitarian admissions policy and the number of vulnerable populations allowed entry to the country.
On January 22, 2025, the Trump administration signed Executive Order 14175 designating Ansar Allah (also known as the Houthis) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The designation subjects the group to asset freezes, travel bans, and criminal penalties for providing material support. The immediate confirmed effects include restrictions on financial transactions with the group, enhanced enforcement against U.S. persons providing support, and potential impacts on humanitarian operations in Yemen where Ansar Allah exercises territorial control.
Executive Order 14169 was signed on January 20, 2025, directing a comprehensive review and reorientation of U.S. foreign aid programs and spending. The order establishes a process to evaluate foreign assistance allocations and align them with stated administration priorities. The confirmed direct impact includes a freeze on certain foreign aid disbursements pending this review, affecting aid recipients worldwide and reducing immediate U.S. development and humanitarian assistance commitments.
On April 1, 2020, the Trump administration issued a notice continuing the national emergency declaration with respect to South Sudan, originally declared in 2014. The continuation extends the emergency status, which authorizes the federal government to allocate resources and implement measures related to the South Sudan crisis. The direct impact on Americans includes potential allocation of federal funds for humanitarian aid, diplomatic operations, and related emergency response activities.
On October 18, 2019, President Trump signed Presidential Determination 2019-24196 regarding foreign governments' efforts to combat human trafficking. The determination assesses which countries meet minimum standards for trafficking prevention under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Countries determined to not meet minimum standards may face sanctions including loss of non-humanitarian foreign aid.
On April 1, 2019, the Trump administration continued the national emergency declaration with respect to South Sudan, originally established in 2014. The notice extended the emergency declaration, which authorizes the government to respond to the humanitarian and security crisis in South Sudan under emergency powers. This continuation allows the administration to maintain certain executive authorities related to South Sudan policy without requiring new congressional action.
On November 29, 2018, President Trump signed Presidential Determination 2018-27696, assessing foreign governments' efforts to combat human trafficking. The determination identifies countries not meeting minimum standards for eliminating trafficking and can affect U.S. foreign aid eligibility. Countries identified may face restrictions on non-humanitarian, non-trade-related foreign assistance unless granted a waiver.
On December 4, 2017, President Trump signed Memorandum 2017-28026 delegating authority under sections 506(a)(2)(A) and 652 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to the Secretary of State. This memorandum authorized the Secretary of State to exercise specific powers related to foreign assistance decisions and emergency assistance determinations. The direct effect was to transfer decision-making authority on certain foreign aid allocations and humanitarian assistance from the President to the State Department.
On September 30, 2017, the Trump administration issued Presidential Determination 2017-23609 regarding foreign governments' efforts to combat trafficking in persons. This determination identifies which countries meet or do not meet U.S. standards for eliminating human trafficking, affecting eligibility for certain forms of U.S. foreign aid and support. Countries deemed non-compliant may lose access to non-humanitarian, non-trade-related foreign assistance.