First Group of White South African Refugees to Arrive in US Under Trump Policy
Tensions Rise Between US and South Africa Over Refugee Status
The first group of 49 white South Africans granted refugee status by the Trump administration is set to arrive in the United States this week. The group boarded a flight from Johannesburg on Sunday and is expected to land in Washington DC before continuing to Texas.
Video credit to: People’s World Report
Controversial Refugee Policy Sparks Diplomatic Row
Relations between South Africa and the US have been strained since February when President Trump issued an executive order claiming Afrikaners faced “racial discrimination” in South Africa. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamoa strongly denied these claims, stating: “There is no persecution of white Afrikaner South Africans.”
The US administration has criticized South Africa’s domestic policies, particularly regarding land reform, accusing the government of seizing land from white farmers without compensation – allegations Pretoria denies.
Disputed Claims of Farmer Killings
President Trump has repeatedly highlighted what he calls the “large-scale killing of farmers” in South Africa. However, South African police statistics show 44 murders occurred on farms in 2024, with only eight victims being farmers. While most South African farmers are white, the country doesn’t report crime statistics by race.
Afrikaner author Max du Preez dismissed claims of white persecution as “a total absurdity” and suggested the refugee program relates more to US domestic politics than South African realities.
Wider Diplomatic Tensions
The refugee issue comes amid broader tensions between the two nations. In March, South Africa’s ambassador to the US was expelled after accusing President Trump of using “white victimhood as a dog whistle.” The US has also criticized South Africa’s stance against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The arrival of the first group of South African refugees coincides with a broader US crackdown on migrants from other countries, raising questions about the administration’s immigration priorities.
Source: BBC News