Meet the First Afrikaners Arriving in the U.S. Through a Transformative New Refugee Program

The recent arrival of White South African refugees marked a notable moment in U.S. immigration policy. Under an executive order by President Trump, this group was prioritized for resettlement, even as many other refugee programs remain on hold. These 59 Afrikaners, descendants of Dutch colonists, were quickly processed and welcomed at Dulles International Airport, a deviation from the lengthy typical resettlement process.

Families arrived with luggage and children’s toys, reflecting a mixed sense of hope and uncertainty. Troy Edgar, the deputy Homeland Security secretary, and Christopher Landau, deputy secretary of state, greeted them warmly. Landau assured them, “You are really welcome here.” However, this swift action raised eyebrows, especially among resettlement agencies facing budget cuts and limited resources.

Since the beginning of Trump’s presidency, the refugee resettlement program has faced significant hurdles. His administration temporarily paused the program, causing turmoil among various agencies. Many refugees who had their flights canceled included those who had assisted U.S. military efforts abroad. Judges have intervened, pushing for the resumption of the program, but the administration continues to fight these decisions.

Landau suggested the broader refugee program’s status remains “an ongoing consideration.” This raises questions about who gets prioritized for entry into the U.S. Critics argue that the focus on Afrikaners neglects other groups, such as Afghans, who face dire circumstances. The Episcopal Church even expressed moral opposition to what they perceive as unfair treatment of these refugees compared to others waiting for resettlement.

Statistics show a dramatic reduction in refugee admissions. According to the Pew Research Center, refugee admissions dropped from 97,000 in 2016 to just 11,800 in 2021. This dip signifies a stark shift in the U.S. approach to global refugee crises.

In their justification, officials cited ongoing persecution faced by Afrikaners in South Africa. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller argued this fits the definition of the refugee program’s intent. However, the U.S. has a long history of refugee admissions, often showing willingness to aid those escaping severe discrimination.

Recently, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa announced a program specifically for Afrikaners and other minorities facing racial discrimination. This signals that more individuals may be eligible for resettlement in the future.

Ultimately, U.S. resettlement policies remain contentious. As organizations like the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants step in to help the newly arrived Afrikaners, they emphasize their commitment to assist all refugees in need, regardless of origin. Recent conversations surrounding refugee policy suggest a need for a more balanced approach that prioritizes humanitarian concerns while addressing national security.

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