In the aftermath of World War II, millions of Europeans found themselves displaced, struggling with the consequences of the war that had ravaged their nations. On December 22, 1945, President Harry S. Truman signed an executive order that established precedence for World War II refugees in U.S. visa applications under existing immigration quotas. This decision was made in response to the urgent and humanitarian need to assist those who had suffered significant losses during the conflict. The order highlighted the United States' obligation to provide refuge to individuals fleeing war-torn regions and persecution, particularly Jews and others who had been targeted during the Holocaust.

The executive order stipulated that refugees who had been displaced because of the war would be given prioritization in processing their visa applications. Truman's administration recognized that the existing immigration quotas did not adequately reflect the dire humanitarian crisis and the need for robust support in redefining U.S. immigration policies. By adjusting these quotas to favor those affected by the war, the U.S. sought to establish itself as a beacon of hope and opportunity amidst widespread devastation.

The impact of this order was significant. It allowed thousands of refugees to begin anew in the United States, contributing to the post-war economy and enhancing cultural diversity. The executive order also set a precedent in U.S. immigration policy, reflecting a shift towards more humanitarian-oriented approaches that responded to international crises. This marked an important change in how the United States viewed its responsibility towards global refugees and displaced persons, influencing immigration policies for decades to come.