The United States plans to process 4,500 refugee applications from white South Africans per month, exceeding Trump’s stated annual refugee cap.
Trailers and modular buildings are being installed on embassy grounds in Pretoria to handle the surge, according to a State Department document.
Only 2,000 white South Africans had entered as refugees by January 31, despite the program launching in May 2025.
Administrative delays in Washington, including a temporary pause on all refugee travel, may slow the ambitious monthly target.
Trump initially halted refugee admissions in 2025 but later prioritised white South Africans, citing claims of persecution in South Africa.
South African authorities rejected those claims, while some refugee advocates criticised the policy as selective and politically motivated.
A previous processing site in Johannesburg was raided, prompting the U.S. to move operations to a secure embassy property.
A $772,000 contract was awarded for 14 modular buildings to ensure safe and rapid processing of applicants.
Interviews are now reportedly taking place in trailers at the new site, signalling the program is operational despite ongoing delays.