Federal data shows sharp decline in total admissions alongside concentrated intake from a single country
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
New federal figures indicate a significant change in U.S. refugee admissions, with the vast majority of arrivals since October 2025 originating from South Africa, reflecting a shift in policy under President Donald J. Trump.
According to government data showing 4,499 refugees, a total of 4,499 individuals were admitted to the United States during that period. All but three—who were from Afghanistan—came from South Africa.
The figures, reported by the Refugee Processing Center, mark a substantial reduction in overall refugee admissions compared to prior years. During the final full fiscal year of the previous administration, which began in October 2023, approximately 125,000 refugees from 85 countries were resettled in the United States.
The shift follows policy changes implemented after Trump returned to office. Refugee admissions were broadly suspended, including for applicants from active conflict zones, while exceptions were made for Afrikaners, a white minority group in South Africa that Trump has described as facing persecution.
Administration officials have stated that the policy is intended to enhance national security and public safety. A State Department spokesperson said the rationale behind resettling Afrikaner refugees “has not changed,” reaffirming the administration’s position when asked about the updated figures.
The policy has contributed to heightened diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria. Relations between the two countries have been strained following disputes over the characterization of conditions in South Africa.
South Africa’s ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, was expelled after accusing Trump of promoting narratives related to racial grievance. In a subsequent Oval Office meeting, Trump told South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that white farmers in South Africa were being targeted and described the situation as “genocide.”
Ramaphosa disputed that claim during the exchange and was supported by John Steenhuisen, leader of the Democratic Alliance. “Certainly, the majority of South Africa’s commercial and smallholder farmers really do want to stay in South Africa and make it work,” Steenhuisen said during the discussion.
The South African government has also formally criticized the U.S. policy, stating that claims of systematic violence against white farmers lack credible evidence. Officials pointed to an open letter signed by Afrikaner community members, including academics and business leaders, rejecting the characterization and describing the relocation initiative as discriminatory.
The first group of South African refugees admitted under the revised policy—68 individuals—arrived in May of the previous year. Admissions increased significantly in early 2026, with 2,848 arrivals recorded in February and March alone.
Resettlement has occurred across multiple states, with Texas receiving the largest number of arrivals. Government data shows 543 individuals have settled there, representing the highest concentration in the country.
The figures illustrate both a contraction in total refugee admissions and a narrowing of origin countries, as U.S. policy continues to prioritize specific groups under revised eligibility criteria.
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