The Trump administration has welcomed 59 white South Africans to the United States as refugees. The group arrived on Monday at an airport outside Washington, D.C. They were greeted by U.S. officials and are now being relocated to various destinations across the country.
The U.S. government said these Afrikaners were admitted due to concerns about violence and discrimination in South Africa. The South African government, however, strongly denies these claims.
This decision has raised questions from refugee rights groups. They are asking why this group was allowed in while many refugees from war-torn areas are still being denied entry.
Arrival in the U.S.
Originally, only 49 people were expected. But the U.S. State Department confirmed that 59 had arrived. Among them were families with toddlers and young children—some barefoot, holding small American flags.
Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau personally welcomed them. He told the group that the U.S. respects their hardships and wants them to feel safe.
Trump Cites “Genocide” Against White Farmers
Earlier the same day, President Donald Trump told reporters that these refugees were fleeing a “genocide” in South Africa. He said white farmers were being targeted and killed. Trump stated that he would raise this issue with South African leaders in the coming week.
This is not the first time Trump has made such claims. In 2018, he also voiced concerns about attacks on white farmers.
But South Africa’s government and many experts say this narrative is false. Even the Afrikaner group AfriForum says that while farm attacks are serious, they are not being handled well by the government—but they do not amount to genocide.
South Africa Denies Persecution Claims
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa responded from a conference in Ivory Coast. He said he had spoken to President Trump and explained that the information he received was wrong. Ramaphosa said the claims came from groups opposed to social reforms meant to fix past injustices caused by apartheid.
He emphasized that Afrikaners remain among the wealthiest and most successful groups in South Africa.
A Look Back at South African History
Afrikaners are South Africa’s largest white ethnic group. They are mainly descended from Dutch and French settlers. For nearly 50 years, they led the apartheid regime, which forced racial segregation and oppressed the Black majority.
Apartheid ended in 1994. Since then, South Africa has tried to bring racial groups together. However, tensions still exist between some Black political groups and some Afrikaner organizations.
Trump and some conservative commentators have claimed that South Africa’s land reform laws are being used to take land away from white people unfairly. But the South African government says no land has been taken under the new laws.
High Crime Rates Affect All South Africans
South Africa has high levels of violent crime. White farmers have been attacked and even killed in rural areas. However, the government says this is part of the country’s wider crime issue. It affects people of all races, not just Afrikaners.
Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola stated that there is no data to support the idea that white South Africans are being persecuted. He said white farmers face crime just like other South Africans.
Strict Vetting for Refugees
Landau explained that all 59 arrivals passed strict background checks. He said they had experienced home invasions and threats, and that South Africa’s government had failed to protect them.
He also mentioned that these individuals were seen as likely to adjust well to American culture.
The U.S. refugee program normally requires applicants to show a fear of persecution based on race, religion, or other specific reasons. Refugees are different from asylum-seekers because they must apply from outside the U.S.
Why This Decision Is Controversial
The Trump administration stopped the broader refugee resettlement program shortly after taking office in 2017. That program once had wide support from both political parties.
Critics are asking why this small group was accepted when thousands of people from places like Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Sudan are still waiting for protection.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire said the administration needs to explain why this group was prioritized. She said the decision looks like an attempt to “rewrite history.”
Who Qualifies Under Trump’s Order?
According to the U.S. Embassy in South Africa, only members of racial minorities—like Afrikaners—can apply under Trump’s refugee order. Applicants must also show a history or fear of discrimination or attacks.
There are about 2.7 million Afrikaners in South Africa, which has a total population of over 62 million. More than 80% of South Africans are Black.
Faith-Based Groups Refuse to Participate
In the U.S., most refugees are helped by resettlement agencies during their first 90 days. These agencies assist with housing, jobs, and basic needs.
However, some groups have refused to help in this case. The Episcopal Church’s migration service declined to assist. They cited the church’s strong stance on racial justice and said helping only white South Africans goes against their mission.
A Divisive Move
This refugee decision reflects a deep divide in how the U.S. handles immigration under different administrations. Supporters of Trump say this shows care for global issues others ignore. Critics say it reflects racial bias and a break from traditional refugee policy.
