The Trump administration is preparing to bring the first group of white South Africans to the United States through the federal refugee resettlement program, despite its broader freeze on refugee admissions from most parts of the world. Sources familiar with the plan say the initial group, comprising around 50 Afrikaners, could arrive as early as next week, pending final approval.
Two officials, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, revealed that the group is expected to land at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Upon arrival, they are scheduled to take part in a press briefing before continuing on to their respective new homes across various U.S. states. However, officials also noted that the timeline remains fluid, with delays already having pushed the expected arrival back by at least a week. As of Thursday, a chartered plane intended to carry the refugees to the U.S. had yet to receive a landing permit, adding further uncertainty.
The U.S. State Department, which oversees refugee resettlement, declined to comment on the matter. NPR was the first outlet to report on the expected timing of their arrival.
President Donald Trump launched a sweeping immigration crackdown shortly after taking office in 2017, including an indefinite pause on most refugee resettlement. However, in a controversial shift, Trump declared in February that white South Africans—particularly Afrikaners—should be prioritized for resettlement in the U.S., describing them as victims of “unjust racial discrimination.”
This stance mirrors a long-standing narrative promoted in far-right circles that white South Africans face persecution under the post-apartheid government, a claim widely challenged by human rights experts. Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a South African-born U.S. citizen, has echoed similar views in the past.
Critics argue that Trump’s selective refugee policy ignores the country’s historical context of apartheid and colonialism. The South African government has condemned the move, stating that it distorts the ongoing efforts to address long-standing inequality and misrepresents the realities faced by most citizens.
In past interviews with U.S. immigration officers, white South Africans seeking refugee status have cited concerns such as rising crime, land reform disputes, and claims of reverse discrimination. These applications have received mixed reactions, with skeptics pointing to South Africa’s economic disparity: white households on average hold 20 times more wealth than black households, according to data published in the Review of Political Economy.
While some members of the arriving group have expressed interest in relocating to conservative U.S. states like Idaho and Alabama, others are reportedly choosing to settle in Minnesota—a state known for its progressive refugee policies and diverse immigrant population, including significant communities from Somalia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It remains unclear why the administration opted for a charter flight—an expensive alternative to commercial air travel—for the group’s relocation, although some speculate it may be part of an effort to signal political priority or media visibility.
