U.S. Accepts About 6,000 Refugees in 2026, Nearly All White South Africans

New data from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration shows that the United States has admitted 5,948 refugees so far this year, with the vast majority reportedly being South African nationals.

The situation follows a presidential memorandum issued by President Donald Trump on September 30 last year, which reportedly aimed to reduce the annual refugee cap to 7,500 and prioritize South African Afrikaners—white South Africans of Dutch descent.

According to the memo sent to the Secretaries of State, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services, refugee admissions under Executive Order 14204 would be largely allocated to Afrikaners and others facing what the administration described as “unjust discrimination” in their home countries.

Government data covering the first seven months of fiscal year 2026 indicates that 6,668 refugees were admitted to the United States, with all but a few exceptions coming from South Africa. Three Afghan refugees were admitted in Colorado in November, making them a rare exception in an otherwise highly concentrated intake.

The Trump administration has argued that white South Africans are facing racial persecution, including violence and land seizures, claims strongly disputed by South African officials, who have repeatedly said the situation does not amount to genocide or systematic targeting.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has publicly rejected these allegations, including during a previous Oval Office meeting where he challenged Trump’s presentation of evidence supporting such claims.

Elon Musk, a South African-born entrepreneur and former Trump ally, has also echoed concerns about conditions in the country, while White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller defended the policy, calling it consistent with the original intent of refugee protection laws.

South African government spokespersons have described the refugee narrative as politically motivated. Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for President Ramaphosa, said claims of persecution are based on a “false narrative” and have no grounding in international refugee law.

Reuters also reported that Trump may consider increasing the refugee cap to 10,000 this year, potentially allowing more South African applicants under the current policy framework.