Tricia McLaughlin Sets Record Straight: 8,666 Refugees Admitted Under Trump, Not Just 59 Afrikaners

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, clarified misconceptions about the Trump administration’s refugee policy during a CNN segment.

Responding to host Victor’s claim that no refugees were admitted, McLaughlin stated, “Absolutely not. First of all, I have to correct the facts, Victor. You said that no refugees were let in. Under President Donald Trump, since January 20th, 8,666 individuals have been granted asylum.”

“Those people have faced persecution for their politics, persecution for the color of their skin, their religion. And that includes those 59 Afrikaners who came in this country last week who have faced racial violence at the hand of their own government.”

“They’ve had their land seized because of the color of their skin. There’s been over 140 laws enacted that are race-based and to discriminate against racial minorities. So I’ve got to correct the facts where you’re on,” she concludes.

McLaughlin’s statement underscores the administration’s broader refugee admissions despite the controversy surrounding the prioritization of Afrikaners.

Afrikaners have faced persecution, violence, and land seizure because of the color of their skin at the hands of their own government.

The Trump Administration stands with the Afrikaners against state-sanctioned persecution and we will not allow the facts to be whitewashed.… pic.twitter.com/RmJM3NVB1c

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 17, 2025