US curbs S. Africa visas, alleging 'race-based discrimination'

The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on South Africans, alleging race-based discrimination. President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized South African leaders for their post-apartheid racial justice policies, including land and employment laws aimed at addressing historic inequalities faced by black South Africans.

In 2025, Trump berated President Cyril Ramaphosa over discredited claims of a "white genocide" in South Africa. The president has also imposed high tariffs and boycotted a G20 summit in Johannesburg. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the visa restrictions would target individuals who promote race-based discrimination, incite violence, or enable land confiscation without compensation.

The announcement did not specify any individuals targeted by the restrictions. Relations between the two nations have deteriorated since Trump took office last year, with the US cutting aid, expelling the South African ambassador, and offering refuge to white South Africans fearing persecution. While Trump has generally cracked down on immigration, he has launched a special program allowing thousands of white Afrikaners to settle in the United States.

South Africa has responded by offering a "generous" new trade deal to the US to avoid tariffs that threaten job losses amid a severe unemployment crisis.