The US government has said it will cut by almost half the number of refugees allowed into the country.

The US State Department says 18,000 people will be accepted under the government’s refugee programme over the next 12 months – a record low.

Places will be reserved for Iraqis who helped the US military, as well as members of persecuted religious minorities, it said.

Human rights groups have criticised the move.

President Donald Trump has also signed an executive order allowing state and local governments to opt out of resettling refugees in their communities.

The order would ensure “that refugees are resettled in communities that are eager and equipped to support their successful integration into American society and the labour force,” he said.

Mr Trump has made reducing immigration a key aim of his administration. Read more

Read also:A controversial Bill passed in Iran, it allows men to marry daughters, draws flak from other nations?

The US government has said it will cut by almost half the number of refugees allowed into the country.

The US State Department says 18,000 people will be accepted under the government’s refugee programme over the next 12 months – a record low.

The US government has said it will cut by almost half the number of refugees allowed into the country.

The US State Department says 18,000 people will be accepted under the government’s refugee programme over the next 12 months – a record low.

The US government has said it will cut by almost half the number of refugees allowed into the country.

The US State Department says 18,000 people will be accepted under the government’s refugee programme over the next 12 months – a record low.

The US government has said it will cut by almost half the number of refugees allowed into the country.

The US State Department says 18,000 people will be accepted under the government’s refugee programme over the next 12 months – a record low.