The Trump administration plans to cap refugee admissions at 7,500 people for the current fiscal year, marking a historic low that favors white South Africans of Afrikaner descent. Three sources confirmed the proposal would drastically reduce the 125,000 limit established under former President Joe Biden. Trump halted refugee entries after taking office in January 2025, stating they could resume only if deemed beneficial to national interests.
An executive order issued weeks later prioritized South African Afrikaners, whom Trump claimed faced discrimination in the majority-Black nation. South African officials have disputed these assertions. By early September, 138 South Africans had entered the United States under this directive, Reuters reported.
Refugee Council USA Executive Director John Slocum criticized the planned ceiling as a threat to lives, families, and American security interests. Trump officials previously considered limits between 40,000 and 60,000 refugees annually. At the United Nations General Assembly, administration representatives called on other countries to reduce asylum protections, potentially reshaping humanitarian migration frameworks established after World War Two.
An executive order issued weeks later prioritized South African Afrikaners, whom Trump claimed faced discrimination in the majority-Black nation. South African officials have disputed these assertions. By early September, 138 South Africans had entered the United States under this directive, Reuters reported.
Refugee Council USA Executive Director John Slocum criticized the planned ceiling as a threat to lives, families, and American security interests. Trump officials previously considered limits between 40,000 and 60,000 refugees annually. At the United Nations General Assembly, administration representatives called on other countries to reduce asylum protections, potentially reshaping humanitarian migration frameworks established after World War Two.
