CAPE TOWN, South Africa — The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has reported receiving a list of over 67,000 individuals expressing interest in seeking refugee status in the United States. This follows President Donald Trump’s initiative to relocate members of a minority white group from South Africa, who he suggests are suffering discrimination under their nation’s Black-led government.
The South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S. compiled and submitted this list, acting as a point of contact for these white South Africans after the Trump administration announced its program last month. However, the chamber clarified that this list does not equate to official immigration applications.
On February 7, President Trump issued an executive order that reduced U.S. financial support to South Africa, citing “government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.” Specifically, Trump’s order mentioned Afrikaners, a white minority group originating from Dutch and French colonial settlers in the 17th century. Instructions were given to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem to prioritize aid to Afrikaners who are victims of “unjust racial discrimination” and facilitate their resettlement in the U.S.
South Africa is home to around 2.7 million Afrikaners amidst its total population of 62 million. Trump’s decision to provide refugee status to some members of this group contrasts with his broader agenda to curtail the U.S. refugee resettlement program.
The South African government disputes Trump’s claims, asserting that allegations of targeting Afrikaners through a land expropriation law are unfounded. According to the government, these assertions stem from misinformation. Trump had asserted on his Truth Social platform that Afrikaner farmlands were being seized, though no land acquisitions have been executed under the new law.
Additionally, the executive order criticized South Africa’s foreign policy, including its decision to accuse Israel of genocide against Palestinians in a United Nations trial. The Trump administration has rebuked South Africa for allegedly supporting Hamas and Iran, labeling its stance as anti-American. Consequently, the U.S. has expelled the South African ambassador, citing his alleged bias against American values and the Trump administration.
An official from the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria acknowledged receiving the list from the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., but did not provide further specifics.
Neil Diamond, the chamber’s president, shared that the list includes 67,042 names, predominantly individuals aged 25 to 45 with children. Speaking to the Newzroom Afrika television channel, Diamond noted that inquiries surged following Trump’s order. The chamber contacted the State Department and the Pretoria embassy to propose establishing a channel for South Africans seeking details on refugee registration.
Diamond emphasized that only U.S. authorities can officially process resettlement applications into the U.S. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa awaits additional guidance on how to enact Trump’s directive.