The US plans to admit up to 17,500 refugees in 2027, with most places expected to go to white South Africans.
The Trump administration informed Congress of the plan on Tuesday.
The policy continues a major shift in the US refugee programme under President Donald Trump.
US refugee cap set at 17,500
The Trump administration plans to cap refugee admissions at 17,500 in 2027.
Most of those admitted are expected to be white South Africans, particularly Afrikaners.
According to the Associated Press, the administration told Congress that these South Africans face land seizures and other forms of persecution.
However, South Africa’s government has repeatedly rejected claims that Afrikaners face persecution as a minority group.
The issue has contributed to diplomatic tensions between Washington and Pretoria.
US plans $500 million for resettlement
The administration also told Congress that it intends to spend about $500 million on resettling new arrivals.
Meanwhile, refugee organisations have criticised the policy.
They argue that the programme should continue accepting refugees facing persecution and conflict from different parts of the world.
HIAS, a refugee resettlement organisation, criticised the administration’s approach and called for a broader refugee programme.
Trump administration changed refugee programme
The US refugee programme has changed significantly under Trump.
The administration initially suspended refugee admissions after returning to office. It later reopened the programme with a strong focus on white South Africans.
The 2027 ceiling of 17,500 follows another low refugee cap the previous year.
By comparison, the Biden administration had set a target of 125,000 refugee admissions during its final year in office.
Who are Afrikaners?
Afrikaners are mainly descendants of Dutch and French settlers who arrived in South Africa centuries ago.
They are one of several white communities in the country.
The Trump administration says members of the community face discrimination and persecution.
However, the South African government disputes that assessment.
The disagreement remains part of wider tensions between the two governments.