Trump Lowers Refugee Admissions, Prioritizing White South Africans

Fri Oct 31 2025 23:40:14 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a controversial move, the Trump administration announces a dramatic reduction in refugee admissions, now set at 7,500, focusing largely on white South Africans. This decision sparks debate about fairness and priorities in U.S. immigration policy.

The Trump administration has capped refugee admissions at a historic low of 7,500 for the coming year, emphasizing a priority for white South Africans facing claims of persecution. This marks a significant decrease from the previous limit set by the Biden administration of 125,000. Critics of the policy argue that it undermines the humanitarian purpose of the refugee program and unfairly targets one demographic group over others in need.

The Trump administration will limit the number of refugees admitted to the US to 7,500 over the next year and give priority to white South Africans.

This dramatic cut from the previous limit of 125,000, established by former President Joe Biden, represents a record low.

No reasons were provided for the reduction, but the announcement corroborates Trump's narrative around national security and public safety, which previously led to the suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP).

The admissions will primarily focus on Afrikaner South Africans and others who claim to suffer from discrimination in their home countries. Trump's administration has faced backlash from advocacy groups who argue that this move prioritizes one group over others facing persecution.

During a meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Trump asserted that white farmers in South Africa were being persecuted, a claim that the South African government has rejected vehemently.

This policy shift signals a controversial stance that many view as a derailment from traditional refugee assistance based on humanitarian needs, raising concerns about the overall integrity of US refugee policy.