The Trump administration is set to receive more than two dozen white South Africans as refugees next week, a surprising development given the current suspension of most U.S. refugee resettlement activities. According to officials and documents, the first group of Afrikaner refugees is scheduled to arrive at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Monday. Upon arrival, they will be met by a government delegation that includes a deputy secretary of state and officials from the Department of Health and Human Services. This move is part of a broader relocation initiative, as reported by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
Tensions between the Trump administration and South African authorities have heightened, with the U.S. accusing the country’s Black-led government of engaging in anti-white practices and pursuing an anti-American foreign policy. However, South African officials have dismissed these claims, arguing that the U.S. commentary is riddled with misinformation. Despite a halt in State Department refugee programs affecting numerous countries, President Donald Trump issued a directive in February to expedite refugee processing for white South Africans who allege racial discrimination.
“This situation exemplifies why our refugee program exists,” Miller remarked, highlighting that the program addresses persecution based on protected characteristics, including race. Following Trump’s executive order, the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria has been fast-tracking evaluations for Afrikaners facing racial discrimination, according to the State Department.
Although the State Department has not disclosed specifics, it is believed that over two dozen white South Africans from approximately four families will be arriving soon. Their arrival had initially been planned for the previous week but was postponed for unspecified reasons. The HHS’s Office for Refugee Resettlement is prepared to assist these families with various needs, including housing, furniture, and general expenses.
The Trump administration’s decision to prioritize resettling Afrikaners while suspending broader refugee entries has received criticism from program supporters. Church World Services President Rick Santos voiced concern over the fast-tracking of Afrikaner admissions while other refugee groups remain neglected. In contrast, Shawn VanDiver, who leads efforts to help Afghans who supported U.S. operations, criticized the administration’s selective approach as hypocritical.
Further allegations by the Trump administration claim that the South African government has permitted the persecution and assault of minority white farmers, while implementing a law allowing land expropriation. Nevertheless, the South African government disputably challenges this narrative, suggesting that Afrikaners continue to enjoy a higher standard of living compared to Black citizens. Despite global tensions, South Africa occupies a prominent role as a member of the G20, with events in March showcasing their influence. However, certain assertions led the U.S. to reduce engagement during South Africa’s G20 presidency.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa denied U.S. claims of Afrikaner persecution during a recent conversation with President Trump. His administration asserts that no South African citizens should be categorized as refugees abroad. Moreover, the South African foreign ministry discussed the situation with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, emphasizing a commitment to dialogue and refuting the allegations of discrimination.
While the South African foreign ministry respects citizens’ decisions to move freely, they seek confirmation that departing individuals have undergone due diligence with no pending legal issues. The ministry underscores its dedication to address concerns through constructive discussions with U.S. representatives.