How has the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program been impacted by recent political changes, and what steps are being taken to address these issues?

The U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, which traditionally helped people fleeing persecution and violence abroad, has faced severe restrictions under Trump's policies. The program was dramatically scaled back with refugee admissions capped at a historic low of just 15,000 annually, representing a significant departure from America's previous leadership role in global refugee resettlement. Additionally, discriminatory eligibility criteria were implemented that specifically blocked many Muslim and African refugees from entering the United States. These policy changes fundamentally altered the program's accessibility and inclusiveness. President Biden campaigned on reversing these restrictive Trump-era policies, pledging to restore the program and reinstate America's position as a world leader in refugee resettlement, though implementation of these promised changes remains a critical ongoing challenge.