Well, the media is howling again. This time it’s over President Trump’s decision to set the refugee admissions cap at 7,500 per year, the lowest in U.S. history, and to prioritize white South Africans (Afrikaners) who’ve faced targeted violence back home. You’d think, from the headlines, that Lady Liberty herself just packed up and left Ellis Island.

But let’s take a breath. America didn’t lose her soul this week. What happened was an administration making a tough call rooted in national interest and a bit of old-fashioned discernment, something Washington could use a lot more of.

America First Doesn’t Mean Compassion Last

Critics say this policy “abandons America’s moral standing.” Funny, because moral standing doesn’t come from the number of people we let in. It comes from how faithfully we uphold our own principles while helping where we can.

President Trump’s “America First” approach doesn’t mean “America Only.” It means recognizing that charity begins at home. A nation drowning in debt, divided politically, and struggling to care for its own citizens has every right to ask: how many people can we reasonably take in and still do it right?

The Bible says, “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith” (1 Timothy 5:8). That doesn’t mean ignoring the suffering of others. It means setting priorities that reflect both compassion and responsibility.

Why the Afrikaners?

Here’s the part that’s really driving some people crazy: the focus on white South Africans. The mainstream media often treats “persecuted white farmers” as a myth, but the facts say otherwise. Over the years, Afrikaner farmers have faced brutal attacks, land seizures, and a government that looks the other way.

President Trump is simply acknowledging what others won’t: persecution doesn’t check skin color before it strikes. True fairness means standing up for anyone — anyone — who faces hatred and violence for who they are, even if they don’t fit the world’s preferred narrative.

It’s about time someone noticed that suffering isn’t a competition, and compassion isn’t supposed to be politically correct.

The Difference Between Prudence and Coldness

Yes, the number 7,500 is low. Historically low. But it’s not heartless. It’s realistic. Refugee programs are often riddled with inefficiency, abuse, and poor vetting. And when things go wrong, it’s American citizens — not the UN or the NGOs — who bear the cost.

It’s easy to sit in an air-conditioned office in D.C. and scold the president for not taking more people. It’s harder to explain to a struggling American family why we can find resources for strangers but not for them.

As Scripture reminds us, “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). That includes immigration policy. Compassion without order turns into chaos, and chaos helps no one.

Balancing Mercy and Wisdom

Jesus called us to love our neighbors, not to abandon discernment. There’s a difference between helping the stranger and handing over the keys to the house.

By focusing on a smaller, carefully vetted group — those genuinely facing persecution — this policy aims to preserve both our compassion and our national security. It may not sound flashy or “globalist-approved,” but it’s responsible stewardship.

And remember: America remains the most generous nation on earth when it comes to disaster aid, private charity, and mission work. Reducing the refugee cap doesn’t erase that. It just means we’re managing compassion instead of letting it manage us.

In the End…

President Trump’s refugee policy isn’t about closing doors. It’s about locking the front door while still opening the porch light for those truly in need. It’s about redefining what it means to be a compassionate nation in a dangerous world.

We can love the stranger, protect our people, and keep our sovereignty all at the same time. And if the critics don’t like it, well, maybe they can host a few refugees in their own mansions and let us know how it goes.

Until then, America will continue to do what she’s always done best: lead with both heart and backbone.