Thousands of white South African refugees could arrive in the United States this summer as applications from Afrikaners surge. According to a U.S. Department of State official, the Trump administration is looking to increase the number of refugees beyond the 59 Afrikaners who recently arrived in Washington, D.C.
The official indicated that the U.S. expects to welcome hundreds or even thousands of refugees as the process ramps up in the coming months. There is currently a backlog of over 50,000 applications for refugee status from Afrikaners, who often face violence and discrimination in South Africa. This number is expected to grow as more people seek safety.
The first group of Afrikaners was welcomed into the U.S. on May 12. President Trump has been vocal about the situation in South Africa, describing it as a “genocide” against white farmers. He criticized media coverage, claiming that the violence against these farmers is largely ignored. Trump emphasized that the race of the victims should not matter, but he noted that white farmers are being attacked and their land taken.
A State Department official confirmed that each Afrikaner granted refugee status has provided evidence of persecution. Reports indicate that many have suffered racially motivated attacks on their farms.
In contrast, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims of persecution against white people in his country. He argues that Afrikaners are leaving due to their unwillingness to accept changes in South Africa’s political and social landscape. Ramaphosa has labeled the refugees as “cowardly” for fleeing rather than facing the changes head-on.
The situation continues to be a contentious topic, with debates around the treatment of Afrikaners and the broader issues of race and violence in South Africa. As the U.S. prepares to take in more refugees, the conversation around this issue is likely to intensify.