Trump Administration Limits Refugee Admissions to 7,500
The Trump administration is set to reduce the number of refugees admitted to the US to 7,500. Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar criticized the decision, saying, "This move turns America into a 'white-only' club. It not only violates the rights of refugees but also international law."
Details of the Decision
According to Santa Maria Times, the new refugee policy will prioritize white South Africans. The admission cap for the fiscal year 2026 has been set at a historic low, making it the smallest number in US history. This decision has sparked outrage among human rights organizations and opposition parties. Critics argue that this is an attempt to change the US refugee program along racial lines.
State Department Statement
The US State Department stated that under the new limit, most refugees will be white South Africans and other minority communities allegedly affected by land seizures and violence. This decision expands the "Mission South Africa" initiative launched in February 2025, prioritizing English-speaking white South Africans.
6,000 Africans to be Resettled in the US
The US Department of Homeland Security aims to resettle 6,000 white South Africans by the end of November. A senior Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "This decision is based on national security and cultural integration. The South African white community aligns with American values and can integrate quickly." Human rights organization Human Rights Watch, however, condemned the statement, calling it a racial selection process rather than humanitarian aid.
Previous Refugee Limits
During Trump’s first term (2017-2021), the refugee limit was reduced from 110,000 to 15,000. The new cap of 7,500 represents a 50% reduction from that. This decision comes amid a global refugee crisis, with the United Nations reporting over 12 million displaced people in 2025, primarily from the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Experts estimate that only 5,000–6,000 refugees will actually be admitted under this limit, 80% of whom will be white South Africans.