First 49 White South Africans Relocated to U.S. Under Trump/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The first group of white South African Afrikaners has arrived in the U.S. after President Trump offered them refugee status. Critics say the policy prioritizes a privileged group while sidelining refugees from conflict zones. The South African government denies accusations of racial persecution or discrimination.
Afrikaners Relocated to U.S. Under Trump Refugee Order – Quick Looks
- 49 white South Africans depart Johannesburg for U.S. under Trump refugee order.
- Trump cites “race-based persecution” against Afrikaners in South Africa.
- South African government denies persecution, calls claims “completely false.”
- Refugee advocates question prioritization of Afrikaners over war-torn regions.
- First flight lands at Dulles, welcomed by U.S. officials.
- Resettlement support includes housing, food, clothing, and essential aid.
- White House says broader Afrikaner relocation program is underway.
- Critics call the move politically motivated and legally questionable.
First 49 White South Africans Relocated to U.S. Under Trump
Deep Look
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — The first group of 49 white South Africans, predominantly Afrikaners, left Johannesburg Sunday for the United States after being granted refugee status under a controversial new immigration initiative spearheaded by President Donald Trump.
Flying aboard a private charter operated by Omni Air International, the group — made up of families and children — departed OR Tambo International Airport with a stopover in Dakar, Senegal, en route to Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. The plane is expected to arrive Monday morning U.S. time.
The relocation marks the beginning of what the White House has described as a “large-scale humanitarian effort” focused on Afrikaners, a white minority group in South Africa. The move stems from a February 7 executive order by Trump that accused South Africa’s Black-led government of engaging in “racial discrimination” against Afrikaners.
Trump Calls It “Race-Based Persecution”
“This is persecution based on a protected characteristic — in this case, race,” Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff, said. “What’s happening to Afrikaners fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created.”
The South African government has dismissed the accusations, saying Afrikaners are not persecuted and remain among the most economically and socially privileged groups in the country. Officials called the U.S. policy a distortion of reality.
“Afrikaners are not victims of racial oppression,” said a South African government statement. “They continue to thrive in politics, business, education, and public life.”
Fast-Tracked Status, Global Criticism
The Trump administration’s decision to expedite the refugee applications of white South Africans while halting resettlement for applicants from Afghanistan, Iraq, and much of Africa has drawn sharp criticism from refugee advocacy groups and lawmakers.
“This is a deeply troubling use of presidential power,” said a spokesperson for the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES). “It reinforces dangerous racial hierarchies under the guise of humanitarian concern.”
Under typical procedures, vetting for refugee status can take years. The Afrikaners were processed within weeks and provided with immediate support through the Office of Refugee Resettlement, including:
- Temporary housing
- Furnishings and essential household goods
- Grocery stipends, clothing, diapers, and transportation
Arrival and Reception in the U.S.
The group is expected to be welcomed by a delegation of U.S. officials, including the Deputy Secretary of State and representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Their arrival follows months of political messaging by the Trump administration accusing South Africa of targeting Afrikaner communities through land reform policies and crime.
The land expropriation law, cited by Trump as a primary reason for the relocation order, has not resulted in any seizures, according to South African authorities. The law has been passed but remains highly contested within the country.
Broader Implications
The relocation plan is likely to further strain U.S.–South Africa relations, already tense due to Trump’s criticism of Pretoria’s foreign policy, including its ties with Iran and its decision to pursue a genocide case against Israel over the war in Gaza.
Trump’s February executive order also cut all U.S. aid to South Africa, accusing the country of pursuing an “anti-American agenda.”
In South Africa, many citizens expressed confusion over the claims of persecution.
“There’s no systemic discrimination,” said one Cape Town resident. “Afrikaners still dominate major business sectors, hold public office, and have full cultural rights.”
Afrikaans remains one of South Africa’s official languages, and Afrikaner churches, schools, and institutions are widespread.
Who Are the Afrikaners?
- Descendants of Dutch and French settlers
- Approximately 2.7 million in a population of 62 million
- Primarily speak Afrikaans
- Have a long history of political and economic influence, including under apartheid
Vetting and Departure
South African transport ministry spokesperson Collen Msibi confirmed that police oversaw the group’s departure to ensure there were no outstanding criminal warrants. The group left peacefully and legally, and the government stated it respects their right to emigrate, even if it disputes the reasoning.
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