Trump administration weighing refugee cap of 40,000 with focus on white South Africans

 

The Trump administration is weighing a new refugee policy that would set the annual admission limit at around 40,000, with most spaces allocated to white South Africans, mainly Afrikaners. Two U.S. officials and an internal program email reveal that about 30,000 spots would go to this group. This is a sharp change from the previous refugee approach, which historically spread admissions across diverse nationalities. Under Biden, the cap was 100,000 in 2024. Trump argues Afrikaners face racial discrimination and violence in South Africa, claims rejected by the South African government. The White House insists no final decision has been made, but Trump has shown a strong humanitarian focus on this group. Some admissions will also go to Afghans who aided the U.S. and possibly Ukrainians. A cap as low as 12,000 has also been discussed. Critics say prioritizing one group could undermine the refugee system’s impartiality and global humanitarian role.

The first group of 59 South African refugees arrived in the U.S. in May, but only 34 more have arrived since. The resettlement process has faced staffing and benefit issues after Trump cut refugee aid programs. Refugees now receive only four months of financial and health support, down from one year. Some South Africans have complained about struggling to get Social Security numbers, work permits, and housing, forcing them to spend thousands of dollars of their own savings. HHS has reassigned domestic refugee staff to the South Africa program, though many lack direct experience with refugee screening. Trump’s proposed plan has sparked debate over whether non-white South Africans will be included, as earlier reports suggested internal disagreements over eligibility. There are 37 million refugees worldwide, and this policy could significantly shift U.S. humanitarian priorities. While the White House describes the numbers as speculative, refugee advocates warn the plan risks setting a precedent where political considerations outweigh broader humanitarian needs. Critics also question the reduction in overall refugee admissions when global displacement is at record levels. The final decision will come before the 2026 fiscal year begins on October 1.

See also: Rights Groups Sue German Ministers Over Afghan Deportations from Pakistan