Pretoria, South Africa — Tensions are rising as reports emerge that the United States may begin resettling white Afrikaners as refugees next week. The potential move is framed as a priority by the administration, although the White House has yet to confirm any timeline.
South Africa’s foreign ministry criticized the U.S. proposal, calling it “politically motivated” and a tactic intended to undermine the nation’s constitutional democracy. The ministry expressed concern about the implications of granting refuge to a group that is perceived as economically privileged.
In February, then-President Donald Trump characterized Afrikaners as victims of “racial discrimination,” which paved the way for this potential resettlement initiative. While the South African government has stated it will not obstruct the resettlement of selected individuals, it has requested assurances from U.S. officials that those chosen have undergone thorough vetting and do not have unresolved criminal charges.
Officials in South Africa have refuted claims of targeted violence against the white minority, asserting that crime statistics do not support allegations of systematic attacks on farmers due to race. Advocacy groups for white farmers have, however, contended that there is a deliberate campaign of violence against them.
The U.S. State Department confirmed it is interviewing individuals interested in resettling but has not provided specific details about when the initiative will launch. A spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. is prioritizing Afrikaners they describe as victims of “unjust racial discrimination.”
The Trump administration has previously accused South Africa of unlawfully seizing land from white farmers, a claim that South African authorities have consistently denied. Elon Musk, a prominent figure who has advised the U.S. government and spent part of his youth in South Africa during apartheid, has been particularly vocal in accusing the South African government of committing acts akin to genocide against white farmers.
Documents reveal that a welcome event for the first group of resettled Afrikaners is scheduled for Monday at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Reports suggest that 54 individuals will arrive as part of this initial wave.
This refugee plan coincides with broader immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has significantly restricted asylum claims for migrants from various regions. South Africa expressed its discontent in February, remarking that it is “ironic” that the U.S. would accept a relatively privileged group while denying asylum to those in need from more vulnerable populations across the globe.