Claim: Only 10–15% of immigrants entering the United States are white. However, some critics on the Left have reacted strongly to former President Donald Trump allowing a small group of white South Africans to claim refugee status.
Clarification with sources:
- Immigrant Demographics in the U.S.
According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Pew Research Center, the majority of recent immigrants to the United States come from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Only a small percentage (roughly 10–15%) of immigrants in recent years are of European (and likely white) origin.- Source: Pew Research Center – https://www.pewresearch.org
- DHS Immigration Statistics – https://www.dhs.gov/immigration-statistics
- South African Refugee Controversy
In 2018, the Trump administration reportedly considered refugee or asylum protections for a small number of white South African farmers facing violence and land expropriation. This move drew criticism from some progressive and human rights groups, who argued it was ideologically motivated and not consistent with broader refugee policy. - Criticism from the Left
The criticism wasn’t necessarily because the refugees were white, but because the policy appeared to single out one group for special attention while refugee protections for others (e.g., from Central America or Muslim-majority countries) were being restricted. Critics argued this reflected racial or ideological bias.
