A U.S.-chartered plane took off from Johannesburg on Sunday carrying a cohort of white South Africans, known as Afrikaners, who are fleeing what they claim to be racial discrimination and violence in their homeland. This flight marks a significant moment in the Trump administration’s approach to refugees, as it coincides with a broader policy that has largely halted admissions for individuals escaping dire situations in countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The administration’s decision to expedite refugee applications for Afrikaners presents a stark contrast to the treatment of others seeking asylum. The Afrikaners, a group with historical ties to the apartheid regime, reported feeling marginalized and targeted due to their race. This situation has compelled them to seek safety in the United States.
Interestingly, what usually takes years in the refugee process was compressed to just three months following an executive order from President Trump that enabled this particular group to gain refugee status. At O.R. Tambo International Airport, families preparing for departure were notably reticent, following instructions from the U.S. Embassy not to engage with the media while they loaded their belongings for a new beginning.
As these Afrikaners embark on their journey to the United States, their story underscores ongoing debates around immigration and refugee policy, illuminating the complexity of who receives protection and why in a time of shifting global dynamics.
