U.S. immigration from Muslim-majority countries falls 96 percent

Legal immigration to the United States from 45 Muslim-majority countries fell by 96 percent between December 2024 and February 2026, according to data analyzed by the Cato Institute. During this period, the number of individuals receiving immigrant visas or entering through refugee programs dropped from 21,096 to just 808.

The decline is attributed to restrictive measures implemented by the Trump administration, including the suspension of the U.S. refugee program in January 2025 and various entry bans and visa restrictions. Refugee admissions from these countries dropped from 5,157 in December 2024 to zero in February 2026.

Specific regional impacts include a 99.8 percent decrease in arrivals from Afghanistan, falling from 5,563 to nine individuals, and a 97.9 percent decrease from Pakistan. While most countries saw declines, Qatar, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates recorded increases. If current trends persist, the Cato Institute predicts that admissions from Muslim-majority countries for fiscal year 2026 will be approximately 40,000, the lowest level in at least thirty years.