Governor Scott Requested More Refugee Admissions
Vermont has asked the federal government to raise the number of refugees allowed to settle in the state.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Immigration
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Governor Phil Scott has sent a formal letter to President Donald Trump requesting an increase in refugee admissions for Vermont. The state currently has the capacity to settle up to 300 vetted refugees this fiscal year.
Why it matters
The request aims to bridge the gap between Vermont's current settlement capacity and the number of refugees expected to arrive, as the state seeks to expand its intake beyond previous annual figures.
Vermont has a total settlement capacity of 300 refugees, significantly higher than the 125 arrivals projected for the current fiscal year. This follows a previous year where 72 refugees were settled, all of whom originated from South Africa.
The players
Phil Scott
Phil Scott serves as the Governor of Vermont and has frequently engaged with federal authorities on refugee and immigration policy.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the current President of the United States and holds final authority over the federal refugee admission limit.
The details
Governor Scott requested that the federal government increase both the number of admitted refugees and the criteria for admission. The national limit for Fiscal Year 2027 is currently set at 17,500 people, with a focus on White Afrikaners from South Africa.
Timeline
In 2021, Governor Scott sent a similar request to the federal government.
In December 2025, Scott advocated for supporting the Afghan refugee community.
During Fiscal Year 2026, 72 refugees were settled in Vermont.
In late September 2026, the administration announced FY 2027 refugee admissions.
The current fiscal year began on October 1, 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of increased refugee admissions often cite the Fiscal Year 2027 federal refugee admission limit as a necessary ceiling to ensure national security and resource management. Dissenting voices argue that states should prioritize domestic social services over expanding resettlement programs during periods of fiscal tightening.
An increase in refugee admissions may lead to expanded local social services and support systems managed by state agencies. Residents may see changes in community resource allocation as Vermont prepares to settle a higher number of individuals than in previous years.
The takeaway
States often negotiate with federal authorities to align national admission caps with their own local infrastructure and integration capacity. This request reflects a specific effort by Vermont to utilize its full potential for resettling international arrivals.
Further reading
For more information on state policies, visit the Immigration section.
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Should your state request an increase in the number of refugees it accepts?
