President Donald Trump has reduced the number of refugees allowed to enter the United States, prioritizing white individuals from South Africa over those fleeing from war, human rights violations, and disasters. The Trump administration has set a limit of as low as 7,500 refugee admissions for the 2026 fiscal year, a drastic decrease from the previous limit of 125,000 under the Biden administration. This decision marks a historic low in refugee admissions since the program’s establishment in 1980.
The new policy, outlined in a notice on the Federal Register, designates priority to the Afrikaner white minority from South Africa, citing alleged race-based discrimination and violence. This move excludes other vulnerable groups such as Afghans escaping Taliban persecution, individuals fleeing the Sudanese conflict, or those seeking safety from gang violence in countries like Haiti.
Critics, including Sharif Aly from the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), have condemned the administration for politicizing the refugee program and favoring Afrikaners over refugees who have undergone stringent security screenings and are in dangerous situations.
The Trump administration’s actions have been met with legal challenges, with IRAP already suing over a previous executive order suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. Despite unsubstantiated claims, the administration has initiated a program to fast-track the relocation of white South Africans alleging systematic violence, a claim strongly denied by the South African government.
The Washington Post reported that the U.S. State Department aims to process 2,000 Afrikaner refugees for resettlement by October’s end and an additional 4,000 by November’s end. While around 70 white South Africans have already been relocated to the U.S., the total number is reported to be around 400.
Critics of the policy, like Krish O’Mara Vignarajah of Global Refuge, have expressed concerns about the selective focus on one group, undermining the credibility and purpose of the refugee program. Human Rights First labeled the policy as “blatantly racist,” with Uzra Zeya criticizing the decision to turn away vulnerable refugees in need of protection.
Advocates for other refugee groups, such as Haitian Bridge Alliance and #AfghanEvac, have condemned the decision as a betrayal, highlighting the plight of Black refugees from various countries who are facing dire situations. The move has sparked a wave of criticism, with many questioning the moral implications of the administration’s refugee policy.