From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 40s
South Africa Diaspora in US Explained
156,094 South Africans live in US, 0.3% of immigrants.
In brief
156,094 South Africans live in US, 0.3% of immigrants. 156,094 South African-born residents in US as of 2024, 0.3% of all immigrants. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Key Facts
156,094 US residents born in South Africa in 2024, margin of error 9,945.
Ancestry Count
110,308 US residents reported South African ancestry in 2024, margin of error 9,103.
Where They Live
California, Texas and Florida hold 37% of South African-born residents, 57,423 people.
Money Home
South Africa received US$1.0 billion in remittances in 2025, 0.24% of its economy.
US Policy
US refugee ceiling for fiscal 2027 is 17,500, allocated primarily among Afrikaners from South Africa.
How They Arrive
Most South Africans use work visas, family sponsorship, student visas or green cards to enter US.
H-1B Fee
Department of Homeland Security proposed US$103,265 fee on H-1B petitions for fiscal 2027.
Refugee Policy
President Donald Trump set refugee ceiling for fiscal 2027 at 17,500, primarily for Afrikaners.
Diaspora Size
South Africans make up 0.3% of all US immigrants, 156,094 people in 2024.
State Distribution
California has 24,001 South African-born residents, Texas 19,201, Florida 14,221.
Remittances
South Africa received US$1.0 billion in remittances from all countries in 2:2025.
Ancestry vs Birthplace
Birthplace counts 156,094 South Africans; ancestry counts 110,308 with South African roots.
How Policy Touches
US refugee policy targets Afrikaners from South Africa for fiscal 2027.
What It Means
US employers face same visa rules for South African workers as other immigrants.
What's Unknown
Exact number of Afrikaner refugees admitted in fiscal 2027 is unknown.
What it means
156,094 South African-born residents in US as of 2024, 0.3% of all immigrants.
