The Trump administration has announced that the number of refugees admitted to the United States will be capped at 7,500 per year, with the majority expected to be white South Africans. The move effectively limits America’s traditional role as a safe haven for those fleeing war and persecution.

Rationale and Implementation

Published in the Federal Register, the announcement states that admitting 7,500 refugees in fiscal year 2026, starting October 1st, is “justified on humanitarian grounds or otherwise serves the national interest.” The directive does not specify which other groups, aside from white South Africans, may be admitted.

The notice adds that “other victims subjected to unlawful or unfair discrimination in their own countries” may also be considered for refugee status, though details on eligibility remain unclear.

Impact on the Program and Reactions

The reduced ceiling delivers another blow to a long-standing refugee program that has historically enjoyed bipartisan support. The policy aligns with the Republican administration’s broader goal of limiting entry of foreign nationals perceived as threats to U.S. security or interests.

Resettlement organizations warned that the decision undermines America’s historic role in welcoming refugees worldwide. Global Refuge CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah said:

This decision not only lowers the refugee admission limit, it also undermines our moral values. Concentrating the majority of admissions on a single group erodes the purpose and credibility of the program.

Global Refuge CEO Krish O'Mara Vignarajah