First white South African ‘refugees’ expected in the US next week

The United States is preparing to welcome the first group of white South Africans it has officially classified as refugees, according to a report by The New York Times, citing officials briefed on the plans and internal government documents. The group, composed of Afrikaners, a white minority ethnic group in South Africa descended primarily from Dutch settlers, is expected to arrive early next week at Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has reportedly planned a formal reception for the arrivals, with officials from the Department of Health and Human Services scheduled to attend, NYT said, citing a department memo. While the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services have not responded to Reuters requests for comment, sources familiar with the matter noted that logistical factors could still affect the exact timing of the group's arrival. Initial plans had targeted Monday for their reception, but final arrangements remain dependent on flight schedules and immigration processing. The policy move stems from an executive order signed by Trump on February 7, which authorized the U.S. to resettle Afrikaners as refugees, describing them as "victims of unjust racial discrimination." This decision sparked international criticism, including a strong reaction from South Africas foreign ministry, which described the order as inaccurate and dismissive of the countrys complex and painful history of colonialism and apartheid. This executive order lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognise SA's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid, South Africas foreign ministry said in February. The executive order came shortly after Trump had suspended broader refugee admissions to the U.S., citing security and budgetary concerns. The suspension affected thousands of vetted and approved individuals from conflict zones including Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, who were blocked from entry. The controversial policy shift is likely to fuel further debate over the Trump administrations approach to immigration, race, and international relations.The post First white South African refugees expected in the US next week appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.