Trump changes asylum rules – fewer recognized refugees than ever before

The United States will only accept 7,500 refugees in fiscal year 2026—the lowest limit in US history. It was set by President Donald Trump.

The new policy focuses primarily on white South Africans from the Afrikaans minority, whom Trump described as victims of racial persecution in a country with a black majority population. However, the South African government strongly rejects these claims.

The president's latest decision is part of a broader restructuring of US refugee policy. After taking office, Trump suspended the admission of refugees, saying he would only accept those who were “in the best interests of the United States.”

The White House is also transferring oversight of refugee programs from the State Department to the Department of Health and Human Services.

According to leaked documents, the Trump administration is considering giving preference in the future to Europeans who are persecuted for supporting populist views or for opposing mass immigration.

(reuters, max)