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U.S. Grants Refugee Status to White South Africans

American officials recently welcomed 59 white South African refugees, citing claims of racial discrimination and violence. The move follows Trump's executive order supporting Afrikaner refugees, criticizing South Africa's land policies. While some view this as necessary protection, critics argue it selectively targets one group and undermines broader refugee needs, complicating racial dynamics.

grownfolk Published: May 13, 2025 | Updated: May 13, 2025 2 min read

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American officials welcomed 59 white South Africans at Washington Dulles Airport on Monday, granting them refugee status due to claims of racial discrimination and violence in South Africa. This comes as the U.S. maintains strict limits on refugees from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan, and Myanmar.

In a February 7 executive order, former President Trump supported resettling “Afrikaner refugees fleeing race-based discrimination, including property seizures.” He criticized South Africa’s policies, particularly the expropriation of white-owned farmland without adequate compensation.

The order also proposed cutting U.S. aid to South Africa over its controversial land laws. Critics like Elon Musk called it discriminatory, referring to the situation as “genocide,” though experts and South African leaders dispute this, citing the law’s intent to address historical land injustices under constitutional guidelines.

President Cyril Ramaphosa denied claims of a land grab, stating the Expropriation Act is a lawful tool to correct inequalities. “The act is about equitable redistribution, not confiscation,” he said on X before Trump’s order.

Some U.S. conservatives allege targeted violence against white South African farmers. Both Trump and Musk have highlighted these claims, though data contradicts the “genocide” narrative. According to The New York Times, of 225 farm killings from April 2020 to March 2024, 101 victims were Black farmworkers, while 53 were white farmers.

Trump denied racial motivations behind admitting Afrikaner refugees. “Farmers are being murdered,” he said. “It’s about violent attacks and land seizures without due process.” White House adviser Stephen Miller added, “This is race-based persecution, not global poverty. The refugee program exists to protect against oppression.”

South African officials criticized the U.S. decision. Chrispin Phiri, spokesperson for South Africa’s Ministry of International Relations, called it “politically motivated” and undermining efforts to address apartheid’s legacy.

The Episcopal Church declined a federal request to assist with resettling the Afrikaners. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe wrote in an open letter that the church would end its refugee work with the government by year’s end, citing a commitment to racial justice.

“It’s troubling to see preferential treatment for one group while others face dire conditions,” Rowe wrote, referencing refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan who remain in peril despite aiding U.S. forces.

Thula Simpson, a University of Pretoria historian, warned Trump’s rhetoric misrepresents reality and fuels racial tensions in South Africa, creating a volatile atmosphere.