Trump Administration Limits Refugee Intake to 7,500, Prioritizes White South Africans
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has announced a sharp cut to refugee admissions for the 2026 fiscal year. The new cap stands at just 7,500 people, marking the lowest limit in the program’s history. This move comes as part of broader changes to immigration policy, aiming to focus resources on specific groups facing hardship.
Most of these limited spots will go to white South Africans, particularly from the Afrikaner community. Officials point to reports of farm attacks and discrimination against this group in South Africa as the main reason. The policy seeks to address what the administration calls urgent threats to these farmers and their families. In recent years, small numbers of white South Africans have already received refugee status in the U.S. based on similar claims.
This cap is a big drop from earlier years. Under the previous administration, the annual limit was over 100,000. Trump’s team says the change will help manage security checks and integration better. However, it has drawn quick criticism from rights groups. They argue it ignores refugees from war-torn areas like Syria and Afghanistan, who make up the bulk of global needs.
The State Department will handle applications, starting with those from South Africa. Details on exact numbers for other regions remain unclear, but the overall total cannot exceed 7,500. This policy takes effect October 1, 2025, aligning with the new fiscal year.
Experts say the shift could reshape America’s role in global refugee aid. With millions displaced worldwide, the low cap raises questions about future humanitarian efforts. For now, it highlights a targeted approach to one community’s struggles amid wider immigration debates.
(Article Description: In a major policy shift, President Trump caps U.S. refugee admissions at 7,500 for 2026—the lowest ever—while giving priority to white South Africans fleeing reported discrimination. This decision sparks debate on immigration priorities and global aid.)
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