South African Refugees in the USA: plain-language guide Glossary

Important: This is general information, not legal advice. Refugee status questions can affect your status: confirm with your resettlement agency, an accredited representative or an immigration attorney.

Last checked: 24 October 2026

Programme status and caps

FY2026 (1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026)

Presidential Determination 2026-14 of 21 May 2026 raised the FY2026 ceiling from 7,500 (set by Presidential Determination 2025-13) to 17,500 [source].
The additional admissions are allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa, consistent with Executive Order 14204 [source].
Published 27 May 2026, 91 FR 31645 [source].

FY2027 determination

Yes, there is one. Presidential Determination 2026-24 of 25 September 2026 authorises up to 17,500 refugee admissions in FY2027 [source].
Admissions are "primarily" allocated among Afrikaners from South Africa under Executive Order 14204 [source].
Published 2 October 2026 [source].

Who runs what

The State Department identifies and refers applicants. USCIS interviews and checks them. CDC-approved doctors do the medical exam. CBP admits refugees at the port of entry. ORR starts services on arrival [source].
ORR took over initial resettlement, now the Program of Initial Resettlement, on 1 January 2026 [source].
How to ask for a referral from South Africa is the online intake questionnaire, not an email to a private helper [source].

How many places are left in FY2027: not stated by source.