The Trump administration is considering a refugee cap of around 40,000 for the coming year, with the majority of spots reportedly allocated to white South Africans, signaling a significant shift in U.S. refugee policy.

According to U.S. officials, this move marks a dramatic departure from decades of bipartisan refugee policy. 

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly emphasized that “refugee admission caps will be determined next month, and any numbers discussed at this point are pure speculation,” adding that “President Trump has a humanitarian heart.”

The proposal would sharply reduce refugee admissions from the 100,000 accepted under President Joe Biden in 2024, though it is still higher than the record-low 15,000 ceiling Trump set in 2021.

Officials said caps as low as 12,000 had also been discussed. Alongside Afrikaners, the administration is considering resettling some Afghans who aided U.S. forces and potentially Ukrainians.

The first group of 59 South Africans arrived in May, but some have since complained about reduced benefits. Trump had previously cut cash and healthcare assistance for refugees from one year to four months.

Copied