Trump Administration to Resettle White Afrikaners from South Africa as Refugees

The Trump administration is set to begin resettling white Afrikaners from South Africa in the United States as refugees, citing racial discrimination, with the first group expected to arrive next week. This move comes despite the administration’s broader suspension of most refugee resettlement programs.

Stephen Miller, a key figure in the administration’s immigration policy, told reporters that the situation in South Africa aligns with the core purpose of the refugee program. He argued that Afrikaners face persecution based on their race, a protected characteristic under refugee law. Miller specifically pointed to legislation in South Africa that could allow for land expropriation without compensation as evidence of this persecution. He indicated that the initial wave of refugees would be the start of a larger relocation effort.

The arrival of the Afrikaner refugees is anticipated to be met by a high-level government delegation, including the Deputy Secretary of State and officials from the Department of Health and Human Services, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press.

This decision follows President Trump’s earlier statement in January that the U.S. would only admit refugees who could fully assimilate into American society. Despite this emphasis on assimilation, the State Department has prioritized the resettlement of Afrikaners, stating that the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria has been conducting interviews and processing applications in accordance with Trump’s Executive Order addressing what it considers to be "egregious actions of the Republic of South Africa." The State Department further clarified that it is prioritizing Afrikaners who are victims of "unjust racial discrimination."

Afrikaners are primarily descendants of early Dutch settlers in South Africa. The South African government has strongly criticized the Trump administration’s initiative, arguing that it fails to recognize the country’s history of colonialism and apartheid.

The Afrikaner refugees are expected to be resettled in states such as Minnesota, Idaho, and Alabama.

Adding fuel to the diplomatic fire, Secretary of State Marco Rubio expelled the South African ambassador to the U.S. in March. Rubio accused the ambassador of being a "race-baiting" politician who harbors animosity towards the United States and President Trump, following the ambassador’s alleged remarks that Trump is leading a global white supremacist movement. Rubio also boycotted a G20 foreign ministers meeting held in Johannesburg during the same month.

South Africa’s foreign ministry has vehemently denied the accusations of racial discrimination against Afrikaners, calling them "unfounded." In a statement, the ministry expressed its deep regret that the resettlement of South Africans to the United States under the guise of being "refugees" appeared to be politically motivated and intended to cast doubt on South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The ministry highlighted South Africa’s own history of persecution under apartheid and its tireless efforts to prevent such discrimination from recurring.

The South African government has stated that it will not prevent anyone from leaving the country but questions the validity of their refugee status.

This move has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the selective application of refugee status and the potential impact on race relations both in the United States and South Africa. Supporters, however, argue that the administration is rightly addressing a genuine case of racial persecution. The resettlement of Afrikaners is likely to remain a contentious issue, further complicating the already strained relationship between the United States and South Africa. The situation also raises broader questions about the criteria used for refugee resettlement and the role of political considerations in shaping immigration policy.
The fact that the administration is proceeding with this resettlement even as it restricts other refugee programs, underscores the highly selective nature of this initiative, raising questions about fairness and consistency in immigration policy. Whether this resettlement program will lead to improved race relations or increased division, both domestically and internationally, remains to be seen. It is a complex situation with many different perspectives.