The Trump administration is reportedly contemplating a significant reduction in refugee admissions for the fiscal year 2026, potentially limiting the number to approximately 40,000 individuals.
A notable portion of these slots may be allocated to white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners, as reported by Reuters. This move aligns with President Donald Trump's ongoing focus on the plight of this minority group, predominantly of Dutch descent, who have faced violence and discrimination in South Africa.
According to the Daily Caller, two U.S. officials privy to the discussions, along with an internal email from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), suggest that up to 30,000 of the refugee spots could be designated for Afrikaners. White House press secretary Anna Kelly emphasized the administration's awareness of the persecution faced by Afrikaners, stating, Outlets like Reuters have long covered the persecution of Afrikaners, who have endured unspeakable horrors, including rape, murder, and other violent crimes while their government has abandoned them.
She further noted President Trump's humanitarian approach, adding, President Trump has a humanitarian heart, which is why he has welcomed these courageous individuals to the United States. Refugee admission caps will be determined next month, and any numbers discussed at this point are pure speculation.
In a decisive move in May, President Trump signed an executive order aimed at facilitating the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees fleeing race-based discrimination and violence in South Africa. This order accuses the South African government of neglecting its citizens' rights through policies that undermine equal opportunities and foster violence against racially disfavored landowners. The Daily Caller has documented the harrowing experiences of these refugees, underscoring the urgency of their resettlement.
A senior official within the HHS reportedly informed state-level refugee coordinators of the anticipated 40,000-person cap for fiscal year 2026, as noted by Reuters. This proposed limit marks a significant decrease from the 100,000 refugees admitted during the tenure of President Joe Biden in fiscal year 2024.
During a White House meeting in May with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Trump highlighted the potential for "genocide" against Afrikaners, presenting a video montage that showcased the discrimination and violent attacks they have endured.
The initial group of 59 Afrikaner refugees arrived in the United States in May, with an additional 34 arriving by early August, according to Reuters. However, this focus on Afrikaner resettlement has prompted some refugee advocacy groups, such as the Episcopal Migration Services, to sever their partnership with the federal government.
These developments reflect the administration's commitment to addressing the specific needs of Afrikaner refugees while navigating the complexities of international refugee policies.
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