The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a major expansion of its refugee admissions programme to take in more white South Africans, particularly those of Afrikaner descent.
According to a Reuters report, the current refugee ceiling of 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year could be increased by up to 10,000 additional places, more than doubling the intake.
Why the Expansion Is Being Considered
The programme has already been heavily directed toward South Africans, with:
- 4,500 South Africans admitted in the first six months of the fiscal year
- Only three Afghans admitted in the same period
Trump has repeatedly claimed that Afrikaners are being persecuted and having their land seized because of their race — allegations strongly rejected by:
- The South African government
- Afrikaner civil society groups
- Other local organisations
Afrikaners make up about 60% of South Africa’s white minority, which itself represents 7.2% of the population.
Contradictions and Concerns
An internal U.S. government email seen by Reuters shows that at least four South Africans admitted as refugees have already returned home, raising questions about the credibility of persecution claims.
Despite Trump portraying South Africa as unsafe for white citizens, thousands of white South Africans living abroad have returned to the country in recent years.
Political and Diplomatic Context
The proposal comes amid ongoing debate in the U.S. about refugee policy and amid heightened political rhetoric around migration. South Africa has consistently rejected claims that white citizens are being targeted, calling such narratives misleading and harmful.
What Happens Next
The proposal has not yet been finalised, but if approved, it would mark one of the most significant shifts in U.S. refugee policy in years — and would likely deepen diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria.