The Trump administration is preparing a major change to the U.S. refugee system. Documents reviewed by The New York Times show that the plan gives preference to English speakers, white South Africans, and Europeans who oppose migration.

Proposal Presented to White House

Officials from the State and Homeland Security Departments presented the proposal to the White House in April and July. Some parts of it are already in place. The plan followed President Donald Trump’s order to review if refugee resettlement serves U.S. interests.

When Trump returned to office, he suspended refugee admissions and called for new proposals. Sources told NYT that the administration has not rejected any ideas but has no set timeline for approval.

An unnamed official said the changes would test how well applicants could fit into American society. Refugees would take lessons on “American history and values” and show “respect for cultural norms.”

Preference for Europeans and Right-Wing Supporters

The documents suggest giving preference to Europeans “targeted for peaceful expression of views online, such as opposition to mass migration or support for ‘populist’ political parties.”

This likely refers to Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), a party accused of downplaying the Holocaust and promoting xenophobia. U.S. Vice President JD Vance earlier criticized Germany for limiting the group’s speech.

Trump has already acted on some proposals. He cut refugee numbers and offered priority to Afrikaners, white South Africans. He claimed they face “racial persecution,” a statement South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials denied. Police data also show white citizens are not more likely to face violent crime than others.

Plan Focuses on Assimilation and Reducing Diversity

The proposal claims that refugee admissions have made the U.S. “too diverse.” One document said, “The sharp increase in diversity has reduced the level of social trust essential for the functioning of a democratic polity.”

It added, “The administration should only welcome refugees who can be fully and appropriately assimilated, and are aligned with the president’s objectives.”

The plan would also cancel thousands of refugee applications already in process, even for those who passed background checks.

Limiting Refugee Numbers in Immigrant Areas

Officials also proposed limits on refugees settling in areas with large immigrant populations. The goal is to avoid “the concentration of non-native citizens” and push for faster assimilation.

State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott defended the proposal. “It should come as no surprise that the State Department is implementing the priorities of the duly elected president of the United States,” he said. “This administration unapologetically prioritises the interests of the American people.”

Critics Call the Plan Discriminatory

The plan has drawn strong criticism. Many see it as proof of racial and cultural bias in Trump’s policies. Barbara L. Strack, a former chief of the refugee affairs division, said, “It reflects a preexisting notion among some in the Trump administration as to who the true Americans are. And they think it’s white people and they think it’s Christians.”

Tighter Vetting and Fewer Refugees

The proposal includes tougher security checks, including DNA tests for refugee children to confirm family ties. The Trump administration has already announced plans to cap refugee admissions at 7,500, down from 125,000 under President Biden.