A group of 59 Afrikaners became the first White South African refugees to arrive in the United States on Monday, a development that has sparked significant debate amid a broader halt on the refugee program.
Under President Trump’s executive order, these refugees, who are descendants of Dutch colonists, were prioritized for resettlement and underwent an expedited review process that traditionally takes much longer.
They arrived in the U.S. via a government-chartered flight, greeted at Dulles International Airport by high-ranking federal officials, including Troy Edgar, deputy Homeland Security secretary, and Christopher Landau, the deputy secretary of state.
Families, some of which included children clad in pajamas and carrying American flags, walked through a private airplane hangar to meet officials.
“Welcome to America,” Landau welcomed the families, assuring them they were indeed welcome in their new home.
However, the preferential treatment afforded to these Afrikaners is raising eyebrows among refugee resettlement agencies across the country, particularly in light of severe budget cuts and personnel reductions that have plagued such organizations since Trump took office.
One of Trump’s first acts as president was to temporarily suspend the refugee resettlement program, leaving many vulnerable groups in limbo, including Afghans who previously assisted the U.S. military.
Despite court orders mandating the resumption of the refugee program for those whose travel had already been approved, the administration is currently contesting these orders.
When asked about the potential reopening of the broader refugee resettlement program, Landau indicated it was still an ongoing consideration.
He elaborated that part of the criteria for admitting refugees included ensuring they would not pose a national security threat and could easily assimilate into American society, particularly emphasizing the decision to resettle Afrikaners.
In a related development, the Episcopal Church announced on Monday it would terminate its partnership with the government over the contentious resettlement of White Afrikaners.
The Episcopal Migration Ministries expressed its moral opposition to the preferential treatment of this group, pointing out the disparity in how other refugees have been treated—especially those who have been waiting for years in dangerous situations like Afghan allies and Christians fleeing persecution.
Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the church, expressed sorrow over the seemingly unusual selection process that favored one group over others who have long faced challenges.
Prominent figures, including Trump, his advisor Elon Musk, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have been vocal about what they describe as persecution faced by Afrikaners in South Africa.
“What’s happening in South Africa fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created,” stated Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
“This is persecution based on a protected characteristic, in this case, race. This is race-based persecution,” he added, supporting the administration’s efforts to overhaul the refugee program in a way that aligns with what they consider its original purpose.
In a further indication of the administration’s stance, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in South Africa recently published a notice outlining the criteria for refugee admissions, specifically targeting Afrikaners and other disfavored minorities who have reportedly experienced unjust racial discrimination.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce highlighted that this action aligns with the administration’s America First policy, signaling a commitment to protecting victims of such discrimination.
To qualify for resettlement, individuals must be South African nationals of Afrikaner ethnicity or part of a racial minority in the country, and they must demonstrate a history of persecution or fear of future threats.
Among the agencies assisting with the resettlement of Afrikaners is the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, which is currently providing services to 14 Afrikaners in states including Idaho, Iowa, and North Carolina.
“Regardless of country of origin, we’ll continue to do our part,” said Eskinder Negash, President and CEO of USCRI.
image source from：https://www.npr.org/2025/05/12/g-s1-65984/south-african-afrikaner-refugee-us
