CAPE TOWN, South Africa — A group of 49 white South Africans was relocated to the United States after being granted refugee status by the Trump administration. The individuals, part of the Afrikaner community in South Africa, departed on Sunday via a privately hired plane. They were scheduled to land at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Monday morning, as confirmed by Collen Msibi, spokesman for South Africa’s transport ministry.
The group, including families with young children, marks the first relocation following U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order from February 7. The order accused South Africa’s government, led by Black officials, of racially discriminating against Afrikaners and introduced a program to facilitate their relocation to the U.S.
South African officials, however, have refuted claims of persecution against Afrikaners. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has put applications from other refugees on hold, pausing arrivals from nations like Afghanistan and Iraq, a decision that is currently under legal challenge.
Refugee advocates have expressed concerns over the prioritization of white South Africans over others who are fleeing warfare or natural disasters. Typically, the review process for refugee status in the U.S. is lengthy and thorough.
The administration has justified its action by arguing that South Africa administers anti-white policies through laws like those supporting affirmative action and a contentious land expropriation law purportedly aimed at Afrikaner property. The South African government argues that these accusations stem from misinformation and insists there is no targeted racism against Afrikaners. Furthermore, no Afrikaner lands have been expropriated, despite legislative actions that have sparked internal debate.
In addition, South African authorities contest U.S. assertions about racially motivated violence targeting Afrikaners, noting the economic advantages traditionally held by this community, descendants of colonial European settlers.
The Afrikaner group’s journey was facilitated by a flight from Tulsa’s Omni Air International, making a refueling stop in Dakar, Senegal. Departures took place from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, with police oversight to ensure no travelers had legal restraints or pending charges.
While South Africa’s government stated there is no basis for the relocation, it respected the individuals’ freedom of choice. Upon arrival in the U.S., they were to be welcomed by officials, including the deputy secretary of state, as part of a coordinated resettlement effort. Plans outlined by the HHS Office for Refugee Resettlement include provisions for support in housing, daily necessities, and household expenses.
This move is anticipated to be the first step in a broader U.S. initiative, as confirmed by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller. Miller described the situation in South Africa as a case of “race-based persecution,” fitting the parameters of the U.S. refugee program’s intent. The administration has publicly criticized South Africa’s stance, with the February order cutting funding based on perceptions of anti-white and anti-American policies, citing the nation’s relations with Iran and legal challenges against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
South Africa, with its vibrant, multiethnic communities, regards Afrikaners as integral to its social and economic fabric, including roles in business leadership and government positions, with Afrikaans recognized as one of the country’s official languages.