CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — A few white South Africans are being brought to the United States as refugees by the Trump administration next week, marking the beginning of a larger relocation effort for a minority group reportedly facing persecution by their Black-led government due to their race. These South Africans have had their applications expedited by the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s announcement of the relocation program in February.
The Trump administration, known for its anti-migrant stance, has suspended refugee programs and restricted arrivals from various regions worldwide, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and many sub-Saharan African countries. The prioritization of some white South Africans has raised questions from refugee groups.
The South African government has refuted claims of persecution against the white minority group in question, stating that they are among the wealthiest and most successful individuals in the country and enjoy significant economic privilege. The Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch and French settlers from the 17th century, make up around 2.7 million of South Africa’s 62 million population, which is predominantly Black. The government dismisses the notion of persecution, pointing out that Afrikaners are integrated into various aspects of South African society.
The accusations of persecution primarily revolve around sporadic violent incidents targeting white individuals, particularly in rural areas. While the U.S. alleges these attacks are racially motivated and the South African government is complicit, the government denies these claims and attributes the violence to broader issues of crime affecting all races. Farm attacks, including homicides, have been a longstanding concern in South Africa, with various groups tracking and reporting on these incidents.
Despite the ongoing debate, the issue of farm attacks remains complex, with the South African government emphasizing that it does not condone violence against any group. The situation underscores broader challenges related to crime and safety in rural areas, affecting individuals of all backgrounds.
It seems that meeting certain requirements is necessary to be eligible for refugee status in the U.S., although specific details about the application process have not yet been released. The Trump administration has criticized South Africa’s affirmative action policies, labeling them as discriminatory against whites. There have been false claims that white South Africans are having their land confiscated under a new law promoting racial discrimination, although no land expropriation has actually occurred. Despite laws in place in South Africa to enhance employment opportunities for Black individuals, many white South Africans, including Afrikaners, have criticized these laws as racist and counterproductive. Some Afrikaner groups believe that these laws aim to limit their opportunities in the country. There are concerns among certain Afrikaners that they are facing a form of ‘reverse racism’ from the Black-led government as a form of retribution for the apartheid system that previously existed. However, the government has denied these allegations. It’s important to note that Afrikaners are just one segment of South Africa’s white population, which includes individuals of British and other heritages as well. The U.S. refugee program specifically caters to Afrikaners, who are perceived to share conservative and Christian values that are in line with the Trump administration’s politics. The exact number of Afrikaners who have applied for or been granted refugee status is unclear, but a business group based in the U.S. has indicated that there is significant interest from tens of thousands of individuals. Reports suggest that a group of more than two dozen Afrikaners from around four families are expected to arrive at Dulles International Airport in Washington on Monday.
