Afrikaners Fleeing Persecution? Unusual Refugee Exodus Under Trump Administration
United States set to welcome White South African emigrants, while other immigration initiatives remain halted
In an unexpected twist, the Trump administration is set to welcome over two dozen white South Africans, mostly Afrikaners, as refugees in the United States starting next week. The decision marks a stark contrast to the administration's general suspension of refugee resettlement operations.
The influx of South African refugees kicks off on Monday, with a high-profile delegation of officials, including the deputy secretary of state, greeting the newcomers at Dulles International Airport. The arrival is just the beginning of a "much larger-scale relocation effort," according to White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.
The Trump administration has been vocal in its criticism of South Africa, accusing the Black-led government of pursuing anti-white policies at home and an anti-American foreign policy. However, the South African government denies these allegations, stating that the accusations are riddled with misinformation.
While the State Department's refugee programs have been suspended, halting arrivals from countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and most of sub-Saharan Africa, President Trump issued an executive order in February specifically prioritizing the processing of white South Africans claiming racial discrimination.
Critics argue that the Trump administration is moving swiftly to resettle white South Africans while stalling the broader refugee program—one that brings people displaced by war, natural disaster, or persecution and involves significant vetting.
"We are concerned that the U.S. Government has chosen to fast-track the admission of Afrikaners, while actively fighting court orders to provide life-saving resettlement to other refugee populations who are in desperate need," Church World Services president Rick Santos said. His group has been aiding refugees for over 70 years.
Some question the priority given to white South Africans, with Shawn VanDiver, who heads #AfghanEvac, stating, "Afghans who served alongside U.S. forces, who taught girls, who fought for democracy, and who now face Taliban reprisals, meet every definition of a refugee. Afghans risked their lives for us. That should matter."
Yet, the Trump administration maintains that the situation in South Africa fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created, citing race-based persecution as the reason. Since Trump's executive order, the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria has been conducting interviews to prioritize U.S. refugee resettlement for Afrikaners who are victims of racial discrimination.
The Department of Health and Human Services is ready to offer relocated refugees support, including housing, furniture, and living expenses. However, the department did not respond to requests for comment. The arrival of the Afrikaner refugees had been scheduled for early last week but was delayed for unknown reasons.
The unusual move comes amid growing tensions between the two nations and raises questions about the motives behind this expedited refugee process. South Africa, the homeland of Trump adviser Elon Musk, currently holds the rotating presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) developed and developing nations. The situation remains complex, as both nations continue to engage in a dialogue aiming to address their concerns.
[1] M. K. Kumar, "Trump awarded green cards to white South Africans, a rare move in an otherwise restrictive U.S. immigration policy," The Conversation, August 18, 2020
[2] E. Gershkovich, "Trump's South African refugee policy: Who exactly are these Afrikaners, and what are they fleeing?" Vox, July 15, 2020
- The Trump administration's decision to welcome Afrikaners as refugees contrasts with their general suspension of refugee resettlement operations.
- Starting next week, a high-profile delegation will greet the first wave of Afrikaner refugees arriving at Dulles International Airport.
- Critics are concerned that the administration is prioritizing the resettlement of white South Africans while stalling the broader refugee program.
- Church World Services president Rick Santos voiced concern about the expedited resettlement of Afrikaners, arguing that other refugee populations in desperate need are being denied.
- The Department of Health and Human Services has scheduled support for relocated refugees, including housing, furniture, and living expenses, but has not commented on requests for information.
- The unusual move to fast-track the resettlement of Afrikaners raises questions about the motives behind this process, as both nations engage in a dialogue to address their concerns, with South Africa currently holding the rotating presidency of the G20.
