US Resettles Nearly 4,500 South African Refugees, Mostly Afrikaners
Since October 2025, the United States has resettled 4,499 refugees, with 4,496 of them being South Africans, primarily from the Afrikaner white minority group. This shift follows President Donald Trump's policy overhaul prioritizing Afrikaners based on claims of persecution and 'genocide' in South Africa. In contrast, the previous fiscal year under the Biden administration saw 125,000 refugees admitted from 85 countries. The US government argues this change enhances national security, while South Africa strongly objects to the characterization of its situation, labeling the 'white genocide' narrative as discredited. Diplomatic tensions have escalated, marked by the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador and public disputes between leaders. While some prominent Afrikaners reject the relocation scheme as racist, thousands have already arrived, with Texas hosting the largest concentration.
Wire timeline
US Resettles Nearly 4,500 South African Refugees, Mostly Afrikaners
Since October 2025, the United States has resettled 4,499 refugees, with 4,496 of them being South Africans, primarily from the Afrikaner white minority group. This shift follows President Donald Trump's policy overhaul prioritizing Afrikaners based on claims of persecution and 'genocide' in South Africa. In contrast, the previous fiscal year under the Biden administration saw 125,000 refugees admitted from 85 countries. The US government argues this change enhances national security, while South Africa strongly objects to the characterization of its situation, labeling the 'white genocide' narrative as discredited. Diplomatic tensions have escalated, marked by the expulsion of South Africa's ambassador and public disputes between leaders. While some prominent Afrikaners reject the relocation scheme as racist, thousands have already arrived, with Texas hosting the largest concentration.
BBC News