Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Trump Eyes Allocation of Refugee Slots to White South Africans
The US might change who it lets in as refugees.
The government is thinking of giving most of the refugee spots to white South Africans, called Afrikaners.
This is a big change because usually, refugees are chosen because they're running from war or bad things happening to them.
Trump has said that white South Africans are in danger, but the South African government says this isn't true.
This new plan could mean fewer spots for other refugees who need help.
The Trump administration is considering allocating 75% of a reduced refugee cap to white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners.
The proposed quota marks a shift from the Biden administration's policy of prioritizing refugees fleeing war or persecution.
Trump has claimed white South Africans face "white genocide," a claim rejected by the South African President.
The refugee cap for the coming fiscal year could be set at 40,000, with 30,000 slots for Afrikaners.
In May, nearly 60 white South Africans were granted refugee status in the US.
- Who
- The Trump administration and white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners.
- What
- The Trump administration may allocate 75% of US refugee slots to white South Africans.
- When
- The plans are for the coming fiscal year.
- Where
- The US
- Why
- The move is related to Trump's claims of "white genocide" in South Africa.
Prioritization of Refugees based on Need
Focus on White South Africans
Refugee Selection Criteria
Prioritization of Refugees based on Need
Prior administrations focused on refugees fleeing war or persecution.
Focus on White South Africans
Trump's administration is considering prioritizing a specific ethnic group.
Diversity
Prioritization of Refugees based on Need
Prioritizing based on need irrespective of religion, ethnicity or sexuality
Focus on White South Africans
Prioritizing based on ethnicity.
- Proposed Refugee Cap
- 40,000
- Slots for Afrikaners
- 30,000
- Prior Administration Cap (2024)
- 100,034
- 2025 Refugee Admissions (approx)
- 27,308
- Refugee Status Granted in May
- Nearly 60 white South Africans