Trump caps refugee admissions at record low - with most to be white South Africans

October 30, 2025

The Trump administration has drastically reduced the annual refugee admission cap to 7,500, down from the previous 125,000 limit set by President Biden, representing a historic low for the program. The slots will primarily be allocated to white Afrikaner South Africans, whom the administration claims face persecution, despite vehement denials from the South African government. This decision follows tensions between Trump and South African President Ramaphosa, including the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador and controversial White House meetings where disputed claims about white farmer killings were presented.

Who is affected

White Afrikaner South Africans (who receive priority for refugee admission)
Other refugee populations from Afghanistan, Venezuela, Sudan, and the Middle East (who are effectively excluded)
Former U.S. allies from Afghanistan and the Middle East seeking refuge
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African government
South Africa's former ambassador to Washington, Ebrahim Rasool (who was expelled)
60 Afrikaners already granted asylum
Refugee advocacy groups and organizations like Global Refuge
General refugee populations worldwide facing persecution

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is limiting refugee admissions to 7,500 over the next year
The U.S. is prioritizing white South Africans for refugee slots
The U.S. Refugee Admissions Programme (USRAP) remains suspended (suspended in January)
The U.S. has suspended critical aid to South Africa

Why it matters

This policy represents a fundamental shift in U.S. refugee priorities, concentrating admissions on one specific demographic group rather than serving persecuted populations globally. It undermines America's traditional role as a refuge for those fleeing persecution and abandons former allies who assisted U.S. forces in conflict zones. The decision has significant diplomatic implications, straining U.S.-South Africa relations and raising questions about the administration's motivations, particularly given accusations that the policy reflects racial bias rather than legitimate humanitarian concerns. According to refugee advocates, it damages America's moral standing internationally and contradicts the core purpose of refugee protection programs.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC