Administration Representatives Plan to Welcome Initial White South African Asylum Seekers to America Soon

The Trump administration is planning to bring the first group of white South Africans, who they have classified as refugees, to the United States early next week. Despite the president’s suspension of virtually all other refugee admissions, his administration quickly put together a program to allow white South Africans into the country, allegedly due to claims of their victimization by racial persecution in their home country. Government officials are expected to attend an event marking the arrival of the Afrikaners at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The administration initially planned for a Monday arrival, but the plans might still be subject to change. The program to bring white South Africans to the United States will solidify Trump’s efforts to overhaul a program that has allowed thousands of people fleeing war, famine, and natural disasters to find refuge in the United States. The suspension of the program for other refugees means that white South Africans have been processed much faster than normal, with some not waiting more than three months for approval. The program will be funded through an agency in the Department of Health and Human Services, as the State Department program was suspended by Trump. While there are criticisms and concerns over the rapid mobilization for white South Africans, the administration is still expected to help them find temporary or longer-term housing and provide essential items for their well-being. The situation highlights the administration’s inaction on other refugees and criticizes them for not processing already-approved refugees despite court orders.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/09/world/africa/trump-afrikaner-refugees.html