Afrikaners Refugees Arriving in U.S. Amid Controversy

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa — A group of 54 Afrikaners from South Africa is set to arrive in the United States on May 12 after being granted refugee status. This decision follows an executive order signed by President Trump in February that facilitates their resettlement.

The U.S. government arranged a charter flight for the group to land at Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C., on Monday morning. However, plans may shift to commercial flights based on logistics. Sources who spoke on condition of anonymity due to their positions within the government indicated that preparations are underway, including a planned press conference at the airport.

This group is among the first Afrikaners to be accepted under Trump’s directive that aimed to address what he described as racial discrimination they face in South Africa. The order prioritizes humanitarian relief for Afrikaners classified as victims of unjust treatment.

States set to welcome these refugees include Alabama, California, and Minnesota, among others. Many of the arriving individuals have family in the U.S., which may facilitate their transition. Those without family will receive help from local organizations to find housing.

Once in the U.S., the new arrivals will be expected to find employment quickly, likely in entry-level positions. However, their professional qualifications may not be recognized immediately. Despite these challenges, many Afrikaners hope to continue their agricultural practices in the U.S.

International reactions to this program have been mixed. The South African government has contested the U.S. claims of persecution against Afrikaners, arguing that they remain a privileged group economically.

As tensions rise between the U.S. and South Africa, officials from both countries continue to engage in dialogue regarding this refugee situation. The U.S. Embassy in South Africa has been processing applications for resettlement under Trump’s executive order.

Trump’s administration has faced criticism over prioritizing these refugees while restricting other refugee programs, raising questions in the context of global humanitarian needs.