The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to bring the first group of white South African refugees to the United States, potentially as soon as next week. Sources familiar with the plan say the group, consisting of around 50 Afrikaners, is expected to arrive at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia before traveling to different parts of the country.
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However, the plan has not been officially confirmed. A source revealed that the charter plane intended for the refugees has not yet received a landing permit, causing previous delays. The U.S. State Department, responsible for refugee resettlement, has not issued a public comment on the matter.
The move is controversial. Since taking office, President Trump has largely restricted refugee admissions, allowing entry only to those who can “fully and appropriately assimilate” into U.S. society. In February, Trump emphasized giving priority to Afrikaners, claiming they face racial discrimination in South Africa — a view supported by some far-right groups and entrepreneur Elon Musk, who was born in South Africa.
Critics argue this perspective ignores South Africa’s history of colonialism and apartheid, and the South African government has condemned the initiative as politically motivated and a threat to its democracy. Data shows that white South Africans still hold higher wealth compared to Black citizens, yet some Afrikaners claim fears of land disputes, crime, and racial bias to U.S. immigration authorities.
Stephen Miller, a senior Trump aide and key architect of the administration’s immigration policies, has stated that the case meets the legal definition of racial persecution. While some refugees plan to settle in Republican-leaning states like Idaho and Alabama, others are choosing Democratic-friendly states such as Minnesota. Observers question why the U.S. is using an expensive charter flight instead of commercial travel for the resettlement.
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