Trump Administration Restricts Refugees Resettlement To Lowest Level Ever

By Daniel Tucker
refugees
Members of Islamic Foundation, listen to Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin speak at the foundation in Villa Park, Ill. on Feb. 5, 2017. Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press
refugees
Members of Islamic Foundation, listen to Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin speak at the foundation in Villa Park, Ill. on Feb. 5, 2017. Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press

Trump Administration Restricts Refugees Resettlement To Lowest Level Ever

By Daniel Tucker
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Due to global conflicts like the Syrian Civil War, the number of refugees is at an all-time high of 65.5 million people worldwide. Despite the ongoing crisis, the Trump administration has pledged to accept fewer refugees into the country in 2019.

In 2016, President Obama allowed up to 100,000 refugees to resettle in the United States. President Trump cut that number to 45,000 in 2018 and just 30,000 next year.

The move is a major blow to refugee resettlement agencies and other groups that help refugees in Chicago. Some have said they will have to slash staffing and programs. Others may be forced to close up shop.

Morning Shift checks in with two agencies on the status of refugees and aid groups in the Chicago area.

GUESTS: Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, founder and executive director of the Syrian Community Network

Melineh Kano, executive director of RefugeeOne

LEARN MORE:

Refugee Agencies Under Siege

(Chicago Tribune 9/19/18)