Trump admin spends billions to deport Black and brown people while doubling dollars for white ‘refugees’ | Heba Gowayed
Summary
The Trump administration admitted mostly white South African refugees in 2025-2026, while canceling protections for many Haitians. It increased financial support for white refugees but cut aid and protections for Black and brown immigrants, continuing longstanding racial inequalities in U.S. refugee and welfare policies.Key Facts
- In fiscal year 2025-2026, nearly all refugees admitted through resettlement were white South Africans, except for three from Afghanistan.
- The administration canceled Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 350,000 Haitians and detained many of them under harsh conditions.
- Refugees generally receive cash assistance in the U.S. based on humanitarian need, but this help has often been too low to prevent poverty.
- The Trump administration doubled the initial cash support for refugees to $4,500 per person, mainly benefiting white South African refugees.
- Historically, refugee support and social welfare in the U.S. have been racially unequal, favoring white immigrants over Black and brown people.
- Welfare reforms since the 1980s shifted focus to “self-sufficiency,” putting responsibility for poverty on individuals instead of systemic issues like racism or economic inequality.
- The 1996 welfare law cut benefits for most immigrants except refugees and asylum seekers, restricting financial support based on immigration status.
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