The Trump administration is set to revolutionise America’s refugee programme, prioritising white Europeans who oppose immigration policies. Leaked documents reveal plans to slash refugee numbers to historic lows, giving preference to English speakers, white South Africans, and Europeans persecuted for their anti-migration views.
Refugee Caps Crash from 125,000 to Just 7,500
Under the proposals, annual refugee admissions would plunge from 125,000 under Biden’s administration to a mere 7,500. Priority would go to Europeans targeted for peacefully expressing opposition to mass migration or supporting populist far-right parties — including Germany’s controversial Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), known for its extremist and Nazi-sympathetic rhetoric.
Vice President JD Vance has previously criticised Germany for suppressing AfD voices. Earlier this year, the White House slammed Germany’s decision to label the AfD as right-wing extremists. A senior official confirmed Washington is closely watching Europe’s political shifts to identify potential refugee candidates.
White South Africans Given Top Priority Amid Diplomatic Spat
Trump already fast-tracked white South Africans under this new agenda. In May, 59 Afrikaners landed at Dulles Airport claiming racial persecution. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa slammed this move as backing a fringe, anti-transformation group longing for apartheid. Crime stats reject claims of white vulnerability.
The move sparked US-South Africa tensions, including the expulsion of South Africa’s ambassador. Relations worsened over South Africa’s role in the International Court of Justice case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Assimilation Tests and Tough Vetting to Define “True Americans”
The overhaul demands refugees pass courses on US history and cultural values, aiming to welcome only those fully “assimilated” and aligned with Trump’s political goals. Refugee resettlement would be limited in immigrant-heavy US communities to avoid “concentrations” and boost integration.
Applications from hundreds of thousands of refugees in the pipeline would be scrapped, despite many passing security checks and UN vetting. Trump’s plan would shift refugee screening from the UN to US embassies and mandate DNA tests for children to confirm family ties.
Refugee Groups Outraged as Afghan and Minority Applicants Face Rejection
Advocates slammed the proposals as a betrayal. Krish O’Mara Vignarajah of Global Refuge called the plan a “profound departure” from decades of fair refugee policy. Barbara Strack, former refugee affairs chief, accused Trump of painting “true Americans” as white Christians.
Afghan refugee supporters condemned the shift that favours Europeans over vulnerable minorities who fought alongside US forces. One advocate said, “Prioritising Europeans over them is unconscionable.”
Trump’s UN Rant Highlights Anti-Immigration Stance
Echoing these policies, Trump recently lambasted European leaders at the UN General Assembly, warning they are “destroying your countries” with unchecked immigration. “Europe is in serious trouble,” he declared.
Legal Battles Loom Over Controversial Refugee Rules
Legal experts predict court challenges. A judge already blocked Trump’s attempt to suspend the refugee programme entirely, ruling presidential powers cannot override Congress. The US, bound by international refugee law, must accept asylum seekers fleeing persecution based on race, religion or political opinion.
So far, White House officials have neither confirmed nor rejected these plans. No timeline is set. A State Department spokesman insists refugee policy reviews prioritise American interests and presidential directives.
On day one in office, Trump suspended all refugee admissions and ordered studies on refugee resettlement’s benefits for the US — signalling a fundamental shift in America’s asylum approach.
