First Group of White South African Refugees Arrives in U.S. Amid Controversy Over Trump Policy
First Group of White South African Refugees Arrives in U.S. Amid Controversy Over Trump Policy – The first group of 49 white South Africans—mostly Afrikaners—departed Johannesburg on Sunday aboard a chartered Omni Air International flight bound for the United States after taking up US President, Donald Trump’s, offer to move over as refugees.
The group, which included families and young children, is expected to land at Dulles International Airport near Washington on Monday morning.
According to Collen Msibi, spokesperson for South Africa’s transport ministry, “They departed from OR Tambo International Airport, accompanied by police and airport officials, and will refuel in Dakar, Senegal before continuing to the U.S.”
This marks the first wave of a controversial relocation program initiated by former U.S. President Donald Trump through an executive order signed on February 7.
Trump accused South Africa’s Black-led government of “racial discrimination” against Afrikaners and framed the initiative as necessary to protect victims of “race-based persecution.”
“This is persecution based on a protected characteristic — in this case, race,” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said.
“What is happening to Afrikaners in South Africa fits the textbook definition of why the refugee program was created.”
However, the South African government has strongly denied the allegations.
In an official statement, it said the notion that Afrikaners are being persecuted is “completely false,” noting they are “amongst the most economically privileged” and hold positions in business and government.
It also emphasized that the land expropriation law cited by the U.S. administration “has not led to any land being taken,” and the policy is being misrepresented.
South African officials added that while they do not agree with the justification for the relocation, they “respect the individuals’ freedom of choice” and have not blocked their departure.
Msibi confirmed that police vetting was done to ensure no passengers had criminal records or outstanding warrants.
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Criticism of the Trump policy has also emerged from U.S.-based refugee groups, who questioned why white South Africans are being fast-tracked while applications from war-torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa are paused.
“Vetting for refugee status often takes years,” one aid worker noted, adding that this policy shift appears “racially and politically motivated.”
The HHS Office for Refugee Resettlement is reportedly offering comprehensive support to the arriving group, including housing, groceries, furniture, and clothing.
An internal document described the Afrikaner relocation effort as a “stated priority of the Administration.”
According to the executive order, the Trump administration has also cut funding to South Africa, accusing it of an “anti-white” and “anti-American” stance.
It cited Pretoria’s diplomatic ties with Iran and its support for a genocide case against Israel as further justification.
With around 2.7 million Afrikaners in a nation of 62 million—over 80% of whom are Black—many South Africans are perplexed by the refugee designation. “Afrikaners are deeply integrated into South African life,” a local analyst said. “Their language is official, their churches and businesses thrive, and many serve in government. This narrative of persecution is baffling.”
Despite the controversy, U.S. officials confirmed the flight is only the beginning of a larger-scale effort. “This is just the first of many,” Miller stated as reported by AP.
