Donald Trump has increased the United States refugee admissions ceiling by 10,000 for this year to allow more white South Africans to enter the country under a special refugee programme.
According to a signed presidential determination reviewed by Reuters and dated 21 May, the decision was motivated by claims that white South Africans of Afrikaner ethnicity face an emergency situation due to what the document describes as the “incitement of racially motivated violence” by the government and political parties in South Africa.
Trump, who returned to office in January 2025, suspended refugee admissions from around the world shortly after taking office. However, weeks later, his administration introduced a refugee programme specifically targeting white South Africans.
The programme has drawn international attention for prioritising white South African applicants while refugee admissions from other parts of Africa, Asia and elsewhere remain heavily restricted.
Government figures reportedly show that only three non-South African refugees have been admitted by the Trump administration during the current fiscal year.
The expansion raises the refugee admissions ceiling from 7,500 to 17,500 for the 2026 fiscal year, which ends on 30 September.
Reports indicate that around 6,000 white South Africans had already entered the United States under the programme by the end of April.
Meanwhile, the South African government has rejected claims that Afrikaners face systemic persecution or discrimination.
Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s foreign ministry, dismissed the allegations in comments to Reuters.
“The assertion that white Afrikaners, in particular, endure systemic persecution is entirely without foundation,” Phiri said.
The White House document reportedly does not provide specific examples of the South African government allegedly encouraging racial violence.
The refugee programme has also heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
Last year, South African authorities raided a building in Johannesburg where US officials and contractors were reportedly processing refugee applications linked to the programme.
Following diplomatic discussions, South Africa later confirmed that the US refugee initiative would be allowed to continue operating.
The latest presidential determination cites “new disruptions” to refugee operations in South Africa as part of the justification for expanding the programme.
Reports also suggest the Trump administration is considering inviting white South African refugees to the White House for World Refugee Day on 20 June.