The Trump administration's controversial refugee plan sees its first batch of 49 white South African farmers flying to the US, igniting diplomatic tensions and accusations of politicization from South Africa.
First Group of White South African Refugees Arrives in the US Amid Controversy
First Group of White South African Refugees Arrives in the US Amid Controversy
49 Afrikaners aboard a flight to Washington, DC, as tensions rise between US and South Africa over refugee policy.
The inaugural group of 49 white South Africans has begun its journey to the United States under a controversial refugee initiative promoted by President Donald Trump. These individuals boarded a flight from Johannesburg on Sunday, with plans to arrive in Washington, DC, later today. This development follows widespread speculation surrounding their departure, which has drawn criticism from the South African government, labeling the resettlement program as "politically motivated."
The bilateral relationship between South Africa and the US has been strained for several months, especially since Trump's executive order in February that recognized Afrikaners as victims of "racial discrimination." The US has openly criticized South African policies, accusing the government of unjustly seizing land from white farmers without compensation—a claim that South Africa vehemently denies.
Further complicating diplomatic relations, South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the US in March after accusing Trump of perpetuating "white victimhood." This exchange intensified accusations of "race-baiting" from both sides.
The arriving group of refugees is expected to reach Texas after landing in Washington, DC. Trump's willingness to accept Afrikaner refugees stands in stark contrast to his administration's broader policies aimed at cracking down on asylum seekers from other nations, underscoring the complexity of immigration issues currently challenging the US landscape.
For more in-depth stories regarding South Africa, follow BBC Africa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
The bilateral relationship between South Africa and the US has been strained for several months, especially since Trump's executive order in February that recognized Afrikaners as victims of "racial discrimination." The US has openly criticized South African policies, accusing the government of unjustly seizing land from white farmers without compensation—a claim that South Africa vehemently denies.
Further complicating diplomatic relations, South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool was expelled from the US in March after accusing Trump of perpetuating "white victimhood." This exchange intensified accusations of "race-baiting" from both sides.
The arriving group of refugees is expected to reach Texas after landing in Washington, DC. Trump's willingness to accept Afrikaner refugees stands in stark contrast to his administration's broader policies aimed at cracking down on asylum seekers from other nations, underscoring the complexity of immigration issues currently challenging the US landscape.
For more in-depth stories regarding South Africa, follow BBC Africa on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
