President Donald Trump has raised the U.S. refugee admissions ceiling by 10,000 to allow more white South Africans into the country, according to a presidential determination reviewed by Reuters. The document, dated May 21, cites an emergency situation due to "incitement of racially motivated violence" by the government and political parties in South Africa.
Key Takeaways
President Donald Trump has raised the U.S. refugee cap by 10,000 to allow more white South Africans into the country. The move comes amid claims of racially motivated violence in South Africa, though experts dispute this characterization.
- Trump increases refugee cap from 7,500 to 17,500 for fiscal year 2026
- Additional slots reserved exclusively for white South Africans
- Experts and South African officials deny claims of a humanitarian crisis affecting this group
The move brings the total refugee cap for fiscal year 2026 to 17,500. Trump initially set a record-low cap of 7,500 but has already admitted 6,000 white South Africans through April, per government figures reported by Reuters. The additional slots are reserved exclusively for this group.
The White House memo claims an "unforeseen emergency refugee situation" exists due to racially motivated violence in South Africa. However, experts who spoke with PBS News said there is no refugee or humanitarian crisis affecting white South Africans. The State Department has not provided specific examples of alleged incitement.
The decision contrasts with Trump's broader policies dismantling the country's refugee program. In January 2025, he ordered an indefinite pause on the program and subsequently canceled travel plans for approved refugees who had been granted legal status already. Former President Joe Biden set a higher cap of 125,000 for fiscal year 2025.
South African officials have pushed back against Trump's assertions. Foreign ministry spokesperson Chrispin Phiri told Reuters, "The assertion that white Afrikaners... endure systemic persecution is entirely without foundation." Experts also disagree with the idea of a genocide being perpetrated against this group.
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