Move FM Global News

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has announced that the United States will admit only 7,500 refugees in the coming year, with most spots reserved for white South Africans. The sharp cut, revealed on October 30, marks a dramatic shift from the country’s long-standing tradition of welcoming people fleeing war and persecution.

The policy represents a significant change in America’s refugee approach, aligning with the administration’s broader effort to restrict immigration and prioritize national security and job protection. It follows years of stricter border enforcement and reduced entry for migrants seeking asylum.

The new cap was published in the Federal Register without explanation for the reduction. It represents a steep drop from the previous ceiling of 125,000 set under President Joe Biden. The notice described the 7,500 admissions as being “justified by humanitarian concerns or otherwise in the national interest,” naming only white South Africans—also known as Afrikaners—as the leading group eligible. It briefly mentioned that “other victims of illegal or unjust discrimination” might be considered, but did not specify who they might be.

The decision delivers another setback to a refugee program that, for decades, had bipartisan support. Organizations that help resettle refugees condemned the move as a betrayal of America’s humanitarian values. “This decision doesn’t just lower the refugee ceiling—it lowers our moral standing,” said Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, head of Global Refuge. “Focusing on one group undermines the program’s credibility and purpose.”

Trump suspended the refugee program on his first day in office, allowing only a small number of refugees—mostly white South Africans—to enter since then. A few others were admitted through court rulings that allowed people already approved before the suspension to complete their resettlement.

The International Refugee Assistance Project criticized the administration for “politicizing a humanitarian program,” saying many refugees have already passed strict security checks but remain stranded in unsafe conditions. The group’s president, Sharif Aly, said giving preference to Afrikaners while excluding thousands of vetted refugees is “deeply unjust.”

In February, the administration justified the new program by claiming that white South African farmers face discrimination and violence, a claim the South African government has denied.

Presidents have the authority to set the annual refugee limit, often consulting with the State Department and resettlement agencies. This new cap of 7,500 would be the lowest since the refugee program began in 1980. During his first term, Trump consistently reduced the ceiling, reaching 15,000 in his final year.

Notably missing from the new policy are Afghan refugees. Despite a separate program for Afghans who worked directly with the U.S. military, tens of thousands of Afghans who are still waiting to flee the Taliban are effectively excluded.

Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, called the decision a “horrendous betrayal,” saying, “This is a really bad day for those who believed America would keep its promises.”