The January 27 contracting document exclusively sighted by Reuters outlines plans to ramp up admissions from South Africa and reveals that the U.S. government is installing trailers on embassy property in Pretoria to support expanded refugee processing operations.
The move signals a significant acceleration of the program, even as refugee applications from other regions have been sharply curtailed.
Trump has said the U.S. would admit only 7,500 total refugees worldwide in fiscal year 2026. However, the 4,500-per-month target for white South Africans alone would far exceed that annual ceiling if fully implemented. Internal discussions last year reportedly considered a broader cap of between 40,000 and 60,000 refugees.
Only about 2,000 white South Africans had entered the U.S. as refugees as of January 31 under the program launched in May 2025, Reuters reported, although processing pace has increased in recent months.
Still, administrative hurdles remain. A U.S. official familiar with the matter said refugee travel has recently been halted, including for white South Africans.
Policy roots and diplomatic tensions
The policy traces back to Trump’s broader immigration crackdown after taking office in 2025, when he ordered a suspension of refugee admissions.
South Africa’s government has firmly rejected that characterization, dismissing claims of systemic persecution. Refugee advocacy groups have also criticized the move, arguing it politicizes humanitarian protections.
According to the document, “operations were compromised,” prompting the shift to a more secure location within embassy grounds.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. said more than 67,000 people had expressed interest in relocating, highlighting the scale of demand driving the controversial program.
