The United States is set to admit a group of white South African refugees, primarily Afrikaners, next week, with the Trump administration citing claims of racial discrimination as the justification. This move comes as part of a broader policy shift following an executive order signed by President Trump in February, which paused all aid to South Africa and called for a resettlement program for Afrikaners described as victims of unjust racial discrimination.
According to officials familiar with the process, around 60 Afrikaners are expected to arrive at a major international airport and will be resettled across ten U.S. states. The administration has framed the effort as returning the refugee program to its original intent assisting individuals fleeing persecution, in this case alleged race-based threats.
The administration’s messaging argues that South Africa’s recent land reform policies and violent crimes against white farmers meet the threshold of persecution under refugee law. Critics of the South African government argue that the environment has become increasingly hostile for Afrikaner communities, though South African officials deny the claims, calling them politically charged and inaccurate.
The decision to prioritize this group has drawn significant attention and sparked criticism. Opponents argue that this selective refugee policy, which benefits a specific racial group while broader refugee admissions remain largely suspended, undermines the credibility and fairness of the U.S. immigration system. Many are questioning whether the criteria are being applied consistently and if the motivations are more political than humanitarian.
The move has also caused frustration among Americans who are increasingly concerned about perceived inconsistencies in immigration policy. For some, the resettlement plan stands in stark contrast to the administration’s tougher stance on other asylum seekers and refugees from non-European regions. The decision has added to the growing criticism that the administration’s actions are causing division and confusion, even among some of its own supporters.