SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane residents are reacting to the new refugee cap set at 7,500, which is the lowest intake in history since the Refugee Act of 1980 was created under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Paul Kamate expressed his disappointment, saying, “In general, we are really devastated by that news. Kind of disappointed because right now, the world is already in a great crisis.”
Hassan Abdalla, originally from Sudan, shared concerns about his family at a refugee camp in Kenya.
Abdalla spent 18 years at the camp before moving to Spokane in November of 2024 with his wife and five children. He appreciates U.S. support but is worried about the conditions in Kenya. “Some children and elders…they are dying with the hunger.” he said.
The federal archives state that President Trump’s new refugee determination will primarily allocate admissions among Afrikaners from South Africa. Abdalla, however, noted his family’s long wait to escape dangerous conditions. “They did everything medical and, also they have their flights, and just they are waiting, their admission to come,” he said.
Kamate, associated with the World Relief Center, a Christian organization, emphasized the humanitarian focus of their efforts.
“Jesus Christ himself, one moment was a refugee,” Kamate said, referring to the Gospel of Matthew. He believes that all people should be considered for relief.
“We know how much those people are going through, you know, danger and how much they need from us,” he added.
Michael Baumgartner supports President Trump’s initiatives, referring to the new intake number as productive.
Kamate, however, takes pride in the U.S.’s resourcefulness in helping those in need.
“We have a great system to integrate them, to help them out, to, give them hope, to, well, on their own for the future of themselves and for their kid,” he said.
For more information on refugee policies, visit President Donald Trump’s . Federal Register.
